Mat Leave Insurance Is Difficult to Obtain
This may comes as a bit of a surprise for those of you who are planning on getting pregnant. Mat leave insurance is not that easy to get.
While you may think it's odd that mat leave insurance is tougher to get, there is a reason for that. Insurance companies are business oriented and their bottom line is staying in business and making money. Mat leave is not a profitable option for many insurance companies to offer.
This isn't to say that you can't get mat leave insurance, because you can. However, it is subject to a many conditions (qualifications and restrictions) that are best discussed with a qualified health insurance broker who is an expert.
Mat leave insurance is usually easier to obtain if you are in a group health insurance plan that has mat leave as a benefit. For those looking for individual health insurance plans, that's a different story. Don't be discouraged, as is it possible to get this type of health insurance, but you need to know all your options before deciding what you want to do.
When shopping around for individual health insurance, shop locally because the agents know their networks like the back of their hands. They know who offers what coverage, who reimburses on claims quickly and who doesn't. This is the kind of inside scoop you need to help you make a decision about your health care and that of your baby.
Make it a plan to contact at least three different local agents and compare the cost of mat leave insurance as well as what options each company offers. Also try to select an insurance broker who handles a lot of companies because they will be able to "shop" around for you and get the best rates.
On the other hand if you are still working and have mat leave perks with your group health insurance, then you are good to go. By the way, mat leave is federally protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act. In a nutshell, this act means that certain employers have to provide family, medical and parenting leave for qualified workers. They may also take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, if qualified.
Being qualified to take the mat leave means you have to have worked at your job (with 50 or more workers) for at least one year and have worked at least 1,250 hours during the year. Men and woman are able to take advantage of this leave and it's not restricted to births. It may be taken for adoptions, getting foster children, taking care of a sick family member, or for your own health condition. Note: Benefits accrued prior to a leave stay with the employee, but you can't save benefits while you are actually on leave.
To learn more, visit Benepath.com
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