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State Disability Insurance rate increase took effect Jan. 1

Effective January 1, 2018, a number of State Disability Insurance (SDI) program changes took effect, including an increase in the wage replacement rate and an elimination of the seven-day non-payable waiting period. The changes apply to both disability claims and Paid Family Leave (PFL) claims. Patients can use the Employment Development Department’s (EDD) online benefit calculator to determine their new benefit amounts. Physicians should also be aware that there is a new version of the Claim for Paid Family Leave (PFL) Benefits form (DE 2501F). New forms can be ordered ...

Did you know physician assistants can now certify state disability and family leave claims?

In September 2014, Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill that authorizes physician assistants (PAs) to certify disability insurance (DI) and paid family leave (PFL) claims after a physical examination and under physician supervision. Individuals seeking DI or PFL benefits in California are required to file a claim that includes a certificate from a treating physician or practitioner. PAs in California were previously unable to certify these claims because they were not included in the definition of “practitioner.” For more information about the physician's role in certifying for benefits, view the Employment ...

New Paid Family Leave benefits form required July 1

In fall 2014, the Employment Development Department (EDD) revised the Claim for Paid Family Leave (PFL) Benefits form (DE 2501F). The initial deadline to discontinue use of the old form (12-03) was May 1, 2015; however, this date was extended to July 1, 2015. Effective July 1, 2015, only the new form, DE 2501F Rev. 1[7-14], will be accepted. To order new forms, practices can visit the EDD Forms and Publications page or call (877) 238-4373 FREE. Physicians are also reminded that they can certify claims for State Disability Insurance (SDI) ...

California family leave program to expand effective July 1

Beginning on July 1, California's paid family leave (PFL) program will be expanded to provide benefits to workers who take time off of work to care for a seriously ill parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild or sibling. This change was prompted by the passage of Senate Bill 770, which was signed into law by Governor Brown on September 24, 2013. Currently, PFL is only available to workers who take time off of work to care for a seriously ill child, parent, spouse or registered domestic partner, or to bond with a minor ...

Paid family leave coverage extended

Beginning on July 1, California's paid family leave (PFL) program will be expanded to provide benefits to workers who take time off of work to care for a seriously ill parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild or sibling. This change was prompted by the passage of Senate Bill 770, which was signed into law by Governor Brown on September 24, 2013.   Currently, PFL is only available to workers who take time off of work to care for a seriously ill child, parent, spouse or registered domestic partner, or to bond with a minor ...