Question:
What should I include in my appeal to the leave bank at work?

I am a secretary for the state of Maryland,I joined the leave bank in November of 2002, because I knew I didn't have alot of leave and was having this surgery, I put off having my surgery until March, because the leave wouldn't have been in effect until mid Feb. I kept calling for information on this situation,but no one called me back. The week after the blizzard, when I finally got the information it was like a little less than a month before surgery. I submitted all of my information and the week that I am home recovering from the surgery I get the denial letter. I only have one week worth of leave, and my surgeon won't release me until four weeks post op. Any suggestions on my appeal to get my leave from the sick leave bank is appreciated. The letter said this procedure didn't meet medical criteria for the sick leave bank.    — Pam S. (posted on April 9, 2003)

April 9, 2003
Pam - first of all, find out exactly what the medical criteria is for the leave bank and then write your appeal based on that. Your insurance obviously felt this was medical necessity and you should be able to write an appeal based on physician's and insurance recommendation for medical necessity. Just my 2 cents worth.
   — Debbie B.

April 10, 2003
The law states we are allowed to have up to 6 months medical leave w/out losing our jobs. Now it does not say they have to pay us for it. You need to look at your benefit handbook. Be specific on your appeal and do not budge. If your insurance and doctors felt it was medically necessary then your employer must honor that also. If all else fell seek and employer benefits lawyer that would help you pro bono
   — carolyn D.

April 10, 2003
Do a search in the library for FMLA or Family Medical Leave Act. I remember seeing lots of info on it that might help you. My understanding is that if you have been with your employer for 1 year, work a minimum number of hours each year, and there are a certain number of employees working for that employer within a certain distance, you will not risk losing your job for 12 weeks. They don't have to pay you, but you won't lose your job. Good luck to you.
   — Yolanda J.