Apr 08, 2021
Short-term disability plans can help close gaps in state paid family and medical leave
Paid family and medical leave (PFML) and state disability insurance programs can help protect an employee’s income in the event of an accident or illness. But these programs may not provide adequate income replacement for employees who earn more than the maximum benefits paid by their state’s plan.
Short-term disability (STD) insurance can help close that gap for your Large Group clients.
The maximum amount of time that an employee can receive paid leave benefits is set by their state’s PFML program. An employee who can’t work for an extended period of time because of an ongoing illness or injury may run out of state leave benefits and be left without coverage.
STD benefits are payable for repeat disabilities based on the terms of the contract. Without an STD plan, an employee won’t likely receive any benefits after they reach the maximum duration of their PFML program. STD plans from Anthem Life coordinate with statutory disability leaves and other income benefits while the employee is collecting STD benefits.
Anthem continues to monitor all laws/regulations that relate to our disability and absence management programs, including paid family and medical leave laws.
Life and Disability products underwritten by Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.