30 Jul Bringing Families Together: FMLA and Addiction Treatment
What is FMLA?
The acronym stands for The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which enables employees to take extended time off from work to take care of personal or family needs that may include maternity or paternity leave, elder care, and substance abuse treatment. FMLA applies to those who are covered by employer-based health insurance if you meet certain conditions.
How do you qualify for FMLA?
To be eligible for this coverage, you must be employed for at least a year and for at least 1,250 hours during those twelve months. Your place of employment must be in the United States or on United States territory, and your employer must have at least 50 employees within 75 miles. These requirements are under the federal FMLA. If you are not a federal employee, check with your state FMLA for eligibility requirements.
Who constitutes as federal employees?
If you are employed by a state, local or federal governmental agency, you are considered a federal employee.
Are all employers required to provide FMLA?
Governmental agencies, as well as private businesses that are directly involved with interstate commerce, are required to cover their employees under FMLA. As mentioned above, private businesses must employ over 50 individuals and include FMLA coverage for those who have worked over 20 weeks within the prior 12 months.
Can I request a leave of absence for substance abuse addiction treatment?
A request for leave is justified by your primary health care provider. If your health conditions meet the criteria needed for inpatient care and continuing addiction treatment, your health care provider can make a referral for substance abuse treatment. If you’re not sure what your company’s policies and procedures are regarding leave of absence and FMLA, please contact your Human Resource department for details. Your spouse or other family members who are covered by your health insurance may also be eligible under the FMLA law; you can take time off for a loved one who is suffering from substance abuse addiction.
How will I know if the dual diagnosis treatment center I pick will accept my insurance?
Most employer-based health insurance and/or PPO health insurance will cover comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment at the facility of your choice. If you’re unsure whether the treatment center you want is going to accept your insurance, call them directly and they will verify it for you within minutes. Dual diagnosis treatment centers like New Method Wellness integrate holistic therapy programs with clinical evidence-based practices to heal the entire person, not just the symptoms of substance use disorders.
To verify your insurance at New Method Wellness, call 866.951.1824 today!