Thursday, March 28, 2013

Create Your Own Maternity Leave Benefits


Your maternity leave should be a time of great happiness, as you and your newborn child have a chance to bond. Don't let financial concerns rob you of the joy. You can create your own maternity leave benefits that can help you enjoy this time, without the worry.

Maternity Leave Insurance

Apply for two maternity leave insurance programs when you are planning a pregnancy, or trying to conceive. By applying before you conceive, your normal pregnancy and delivery will be a covered benefit.

Short Term Disability Insurance can create maternity leave pay. Your benefit for normal delivery may triple the premium you pay over twelve months.

  • Plus you are covered in case of pregnancy complications, delivery complications, accidents and illnesses.

Hospital Indemnity Insurance covers your normal labor and delivery, and will pay a cash benefit directly to you that increases your maternity leave pay. Your benefit for normal delivery may be six times the premium you pay over twelve months.

  • Plus you are covered in case of premature birth. An additional benefit may be paid in the event that your infant requires special medical attention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or NICU.

  • Plus you are covered in cases where an accident or illness causes you or a family member to be hospitalized

Pregnancy Tax Savings

A Flexible Spending Account allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain predictable expenses associated with your pregnancy, delivery, and upcoming child care. You may find opportunities to use pre tax dollars to pay for:

  • Fertility treatments

  • Co pays for extra doctor visits

  • Co insurance for diagnostic tests such as ultrasounds, etc

  • Out of pocket expenses for prescription drugs, prenatal vitamins, etc.

  • Deductibles - your pregnancy and delivery may utilize your entire annual deductible

  • Hospital co pays are very common, and your maternity labor and delivery may invoke a charge

  • Child care that allows you to return to work

Gain Access Via Your Employer

You can easily get the coverage you want with cooperation from your employer. There is no direct cost to your employer, as you pay the premium via payroll deductions. And, your request is very simple, your employer benefits, and your co-workers will thank you.

Flexible spending accounts often save your employer money by reducing the amount of payroll taxes they must pay.

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