Guide to Financial Resources for Cancer Treatment 3. Understanding Health Insurance & Employer Benefits 3i. Family Medical Leave Act

3i. Family Medical Leave Act

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of leave for specific family and medical reasons, without losing their position. This law applies to companies with 50 or more employees. The law does not require that employers pay an absent employee during this period, but does require that group health insurance coverage is available. Depending on an employer’s policies, PTO or disability insurance may be taken during this leave.

FMLA Criteria

Tap or hover over the cards to learn about when Family Medical Leave can be used.

Employee Health

A serious health condition preventing the employee from performing his/her job

Family Health

To care for a spouse, child or parent with a serious health condition

Birth

The birth of a child, from birth date up to age 1

Adoption / Fostering

Adoption or providing foster care for a child up to age 1

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