Anybody have STD denied? -- Update!

I've been out of work for nearly 3 weeks (Wks 38-41) and just found out from my employer's STD benefits provider that my STD application was denied!
I'm freaking out - I never would have stopped work if I would not have been paid for this time....Now I'm screwed with FMLA and I'm not even getting paid.

-- UPDATE
Thought I should do a PSA/FYI for girls thinking about going out early on STD before their due date - be aware it CAN be denied.
The midwives put me out two weeks before my due date (which ended up being four weeks before DS was born). My employers' private insurance co. (Nationwide) only supports pregnancy as a medical reason to not work IF you have one of five symptoms (high blood pressure, inability to drive, pre-eclampsia, contractions, or bedrest). I wasn't having any of those when the midwives put me out - but Nationwide said it would be covered as long as the midwives said I shouldn't work. So I had four weeks without pay.

DH is in the process of arguing with Nationwide to at least get the two weeks from my due date to DS's birthdate covered as I was having contractions and false labor. My chiropractor is also writing a letter in support of not working past 38 weeks, but the appeal is still pending.

It's fully legal for them to deny it, but thought you girls might like to hear that. I know that it was better for my health for me not to work, and even though we're a little stressed about the money, nothing beats having a healthy baby. I can always make more money later, but I can't make a better baby!

Message edited 3/28/2008 1:52:12 PM.

Re: Anybody have STD denied?

Well, they can't deny STD after the birth, right? So maybe just for the few weeks before birth, you will not be paid.
I don't understand how this effects your FMLA rights- the two are seperate. FMLA guarantees your job will be there after 12 weeks- by law. A denial of STD benefits can't change that.
I'm sure you will be able to resubmit your STD claim starting on date of birth- just have the appropriate paperwork ready to be signed by the doctor.

Re: Anybody have STD denied?

Your STD should not have been denied.
Was everything filled out right?

Re: Anybody have STD denied?

Yes, I need to take an hour or two to think this through. (Prego brain - actually OVERDUE prego brain is not nearly as sharp as it was when I first made all these decisions....
But I've been away from my position now for 3 weeks -I'm frustrated because I wanted to take extra unpaid time after the birth and after my maternity leave ran out. Now we have to use the money we had saved for after the birth to pay bills before the birth.
I should have just stayed working - maybe the stress of work would have made him arrive before now.
Sorry - I'm just very cranky and ready to go!

Re: Anybody have STD denied?

Call the provider- they should be able to tell you why it was denied!

Re: Anybody have STD denied?

Sometimes these claims get denied for the silliest thing. Miscommunication is usually the main culprit! call them up and ask them!

Re: Anybody have STD denied?

She's saying my provider/dr. didn't give a good enough medical reason for being out of work. The three reasons they would approve the STD would be :
bedrest, pre-eclampsia, inability to drive.
Unfortunately, I didn't have any of those - I was put out due to discomfort due to pregnancy, multiple office appointments per week, etc. When I first called the STD provider to make sure I was covered prior to delivery, they said, "Sure, that happens all the time."
I was on the phone with them this morning and the woman is super-nice but unfortunately the bearer of very bad news. And now my care provider is not returning my phone calls to try to remedy this.