When an employee submits a medical leave, we require that they submit a medical certification.
Medical certifications may be required by employers, states or private insurance carriers. Each requires medical certifications in connection with different benefits:
Employers require Medical Provider Certifications to support requests for leave under federal and state law (including the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)) due to an employee’s own serious health condition (medical leave) or to care for a covered family member with a serious health condition (family caregiver leave).
States require Medical Provider Certifications if employees seek state or private insurance disability or paid family leave benefits.
Private insurance carriers require a Medical Provider Certification if employees seek private short or long term disability benefits.
What forms can be used for a Medical Certification?
It depends on the benefit being administered. A few forms can serve as a medical certification:
The medical provider section of a state or private disability form
Form WH-380-E – when a leave request is due to the medical condition of the employee.
Form WH-380-F – when a leave request is due to the medical condition of the employee's family member.
Unless otherwise requested, and to limit the number of forms employees must complete, Cocoon only requires that the medical provider section of a claim be completed to fulfill the medical certificate requirement.
We hope you find the information, content and materials in our Employer Help Center useful. They are meant for general informational purposes only, and are not intended as legal advice.
Any questions? Please reach out to the Cocoon Support team at: