Do I have to pay for my health insurance while on FMLA leave?
The answer to whether you need to pay for your health insurance while on FMLA leave depends on the specific plan you have. Generally speaking, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows you to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year. During that time, your employer or insurance provider must continue to provide you with health care coverage. However, you may be expected to pay your usual premium during your leave. In Virginia, the law is a bit more specific. According to the Virginia Code 40.1-28.7:1, the employer must maintain your health insurance benefits for at least two months of your FMLA leave, although you may be asked to contribute to your premium payments in order to keep your coverage. After two months, you are no longer eligible for employer-paid health insurance under FMLA rules. At that point, you would need to find alternate sources of health insurance, such as through the Affordable Care Act. It is important to note that employers are not required to provide health insurance for you if you take more than 12 weeks of FMLA leave in a single year. However, you may choose to make other arrangements to keep your benefits during the extended leave period.
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