If a member is absent from work due to an approved Maternity and/or Parental Leave, they will be considered to be still employed and eligible for continued insurance coverage for the duration of the period allowed by the Employment Insurance Act.
GroupHEALTH recommends continuing all benefits (including Disability coverage) during Maternity and Parental Leaves.
If your plan includes Short-Term Disability (STD), a member may submit a claim for STD during the health-related portion of a Maternity leave. During the remaining (non-health-related) portion of the Maternity and Parental Leaves, a member is not eligible to claim disability. However, if they are medically unable to return to work on the scheduled return-to-work date, they may then submit a claim, provided Disability premiums have continued throughout the entire leave.
There are two options available to a member on Maternity and Parental Leave:
- Maintain all benefits for the entire period of approved leave (*recommended)
- Discontinue all benefits for the entire period of approved leave (*not recommended)
Notify your GroupHEALTH Representative of any members taking Maternity and/or Parental Leave, by providing the following information:
- Last active day at work and type of leave being taken (Maternity, Parental, or both)
- Expected date of return to active work
- Actual date the member has returned to work
If the member returns to work after an approved Maternity and/or Parental Leave during the legislated period, reinstate any discontinued benefits.
If a member is absent from work for longer than the approved Maternity and/or Parental Leave period. Upon return to work the member will be treated as a new member with all of the conditions that apply, including serving the waiting period.
Tip!
- GroupHEALTH recommends that the employer refer to the specific maternity legislation applicable to the Province of Residence for your members, as legislation may vary between provinces.