Is it legal in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to fire a person who is on sick leave?

Question

My future sister-in-law was recently diagnosed with chronic leukemia. She's being treated and seems to be doing well. Her employer just let her know that she's being "let go" and that naturally means her health insurance goes with the job. I've heard that it's illegal to fire someone who's on sick leave just as you can't fire a woman on maternity leave. Does anybody know if that's true? Ironically, her employer asks her to consider coming back when she's well. Amazing! Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 protects employees up to 12 weeks, after which employer can terminate employee. She can elect to pay for health insurance under the COBRA rules -- it will be expensive but WAY better than nothing.

Answer 2

I believe it depends on the amount of time,  I think you can be absent up two three months.  I think you could research it by googling "the Family leave act".  

Answer 3

Legal, but not too smart.

Person can come back and claim discrimination because they were sick.  It may cost you some money to unwind the claim.

Answer 4

Sounds like she would have a case for wrongful termination.  Also, under COBRA she can keep her insurance coverage for up to one year, she will just have to pay the premium herself.

Answer 5

Get to know some basical knowledge of your confused field before taking any suggestion is a great idea.Here is great place to start off.http://health-insurance.tips4free.info/h...