Washington, D.C. — When a serious health need occurs or a new child arrives, continuing health insurance coverage becomes more important than ever. Yet for too many Americans, taking time away from work to address these needs can jeopardize that coverage, whether by putting employer-sponsored coverage at risk or simply by cutting off income needed to pay premiums. This new Center for American Progress report makes the case for how comprehensive paid leave laws and protections can allow workers to keep their health insurance coverage at critical moments.
This report examines when people use leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and state paid leave programs for their own serious health care needs and how continuation of health insurance will yield better, more effective treatment. In addition to caring for oneself, the report also argues for the critical need for continued insurance for children who have access to insurance through a parent’s health insurance to ensure they have access to care in times of emergency, serious health conditions, and routine checkups. Finally, the report outlines the positive impacts paid leave has on families and individuals by giving people the coverage they need to have the best shot at getting the care they need.
“At the moments when it matters most—a serious diagnosis, a new baby—paid leave means keeping the income that not only keeps the lights on but also keeps health insurance premiums paid,” said Molly Weston Williamson, senior fellow for the Women’s Initiative at CAP and author of the report. “Policymakers at the state and federal levels must take action to guarantee paid leave for all workers, protecting not only workers’ paychecks but also the health coverage they rely on when they need it the most.”
Read the report: “Paid Leave Helps Americans Keep Their Health Insurance When They Need It Most” by Molly Weston Williamson
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, please contact Sarah Nadeau at [email protected].