Is being 4-5 weeks pregnant a pre-existing condition?

Question

I RECENTLY FOUND OUT I'M 4-5 WEEKS PREGNANT AND I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD NOT GET PAID FOR MATERNITY LEAVE BECAUSE I HAVE A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION

Answer 1

There may be a "waiting period" before your STD kicks in that affects your eligibility.  It is totally legal, as long as it is the same for any other medical condition.  Check your employee handbook and plan documents.  Also, ask your HR staff.  They are the experts and truly do want to treat you fairly.

It isn't uncommon not to have mentioned "pre-existing condition" during open enrollment if a waiting period was mentioned.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Technically, yes, of course being preganant is a pre-existing condition; you can't suddenly get 4 weeks pregant.  But check with your employer's Benefits or HR department and also with your State laws.  It's possible the employer will go to bat with you against the insurance company, because this is a contentious area in many states.  Good luck!

Answer 3

Well if you just got the job today then yes it would be a pre-existing condition.  If you have been working at the job longer than 5 weeks then no its not pre-existing.  A lot of places have strict maternity leave policies, and I know a lot of places you actually have to be working there a certain amount of time before you can even be eligible for maternity leave.