disability for substance abuse

Irie

Do any of your short-term disability policies cover employees while they are out for substance abuse treatment?

We are self-insured and our coverage explanation indicates our short-term disability policy does not pay for any disability caused or related to drug/alcohol/substance abuse. We have had this explanation of coverage for years and I'm wondering if this could be a problem if we don't pay short-term disability for someone out of work seeking treatment. I know if they qualify for FMLA they can take FMLA for treatment but I'm not sure about disability.

Thought I'd run it past the forumites before I contact our attorney. Thanks.

Still Need Coffee

You know what, I had to go look - I really didn't know! What I found was pretty interesting (and slightly humorous). Our policy will not cover any disability caused by:

"intoxication,"
"voluntary use of any poison, chemical, prescription or non-prescription drug or controlled substance unless it has been prescribed by a doctor and is used as prescribed,"
"being confined to a correctional facility"
and my personal favorite..."intentionally injuring yourself or attempting suicide while [B]sane or insane[/B],"

They think of everything, don't they!!! So, Irie, to answer your question, no, they wouldn't allow benefits for substance abuse.

cnghr

Looks like the only thing ours doesn't cover is "intentionally self-inflicted injuries", so it doesn't specifically say anything about any sort of substance abuse.