Does Taking FMLA Intermittently Affect Employee Health Benefits?

No. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is explicit on this matter: you must ensure that an employee’s health coverage remains intact under any group health plan, just as if they were continuously working full-time throughout the leave period.

Understanding employment benefits can be overwhelming, especially when unexpected life events occur. The FMLA acts as a crucial support system, giving employees the freedom to take necessary leave for personal or family health issues without worrying about job security. However, taking this leave intermittently can raise concerns about how it affects your full-time status and essential health benefits.

It’s important to maintain specific coverage levels, covering all parties under the plan—whether it’s just the employee, the employee and their spouse, or the entire family—and ensuring that the coverage itself, such as medical, dental, and vision, remains unchanged.

This blog does not constitute legal or formal HR advice. This answer, plus many other are found in our HR by Mineral Resource Center for our APlus clients. If you don’t have access yet please contact your CSS or reach out here.