I live in PA. I've been employed with my company for over 10 years. Six weeks ago, I took ill with a recurrent illness. The first day I was out from work, I advised my employer I would be using FMLA time. I also notified my employer every couple of days I was still using FMLA time. My condition is chronic and was previously approved for FMLA several months before this event. I am l not able to return to work as of today. 4 weeks ago, I called my employer's occupational health department to advise I still needed to use FMLA time and it was noted. A few days ago, I received a call from my employer's occupational health office stating I need to "request" short-term disability leave by submitting completed short-term disability forms from my physician. I was told to return the forms asap (forms were emailed to me that day). I received a letter in the mail today from my employer stating if the completed short-term disability forms are not received in 2 days, the short-term medical leave will be denied, and my "paid benefits" will stop. I have not received compensation for past 4 weeks because my paid days off were already used - and I did not expect to receive any income/ pay. The letter also stated my medical leave request was pending beginning the period dated 6 weeks ago (my first day out of the office). I thought I was using FMLA the entire time, NOT waiting for short term leave/income replacement since I never requested that type of leave. Please note, my fmla should be exhausted in a few days since I used time intermittently earlier last year for my condition. I am unable to get out to see my doctor this week (before the deadline) to get the forms completed since I'm still ill and can't get an appointment for the next ten days.
My questions: My health insurance benefits were still being paid by the employer to this date even though I wasn't receiving paid income. I've had medical visits while I was out from work and used prescription benefits for my meds as well. Can the employer make me pay premiums retro to the date 6 weeks previous? Also, since the short-term leave "request" will be denied in 2 days can my employer fire me? If I'm not fired right away and the paid benefits stop (according to the letter), can my employer cancel my health insurance right away? What are my rights under COBRA if I'm still officially employed and insurance benefits are canceled? I have medical tests and a minor procedure scheduled in the next week and need health insurance coverage.
My questions: My health insurance benefits were still being paid by the employer to this date even though I wasn't receiving paid income. I've had medical visits while I was out from work and used prescription benefits for my meds as well. Can the employer make me pay premiums retro to the date 6 weeks previous? Also, since the short-term leave "request" will be denied in 2 days can my employer fire me? If I'm not fired right away and the paid benefits stop (according to the letter), can my employer cancel my health insurance right away? What are my rights under COBRA if I'm still officially employed and insurance benefits are canceled? I have medical tests and a minor procedure scheduled in the next week and need health insurance coverage.