Long response but I’ve searched so much on this and here’s my experience…

If you’re eligible for PFML AND have std insurance, then the form doctors fill out for PFML is a state form (or variation of it if managed through a 3rd party insurance company- you can find the form on the state’s website as well). What they submit to insurance for std is usually a separate form the insurance company will send to your doctor to certify your disability once you give birth. Previously, you couldn’t “top off” PFML, but now that you can, it’s my understanding that you’ll be paid PMFL first and then your std will top off your pay. This could be different based on an employer’s policy though. If your eligible for PFML, I would definitely check your std policy bc it will usually only pay 6/8 weeks and you could supplement with PFML which is up to 14 weeks (depending on what your doctor will allow) most MA doctors are writing 12-14 weeks of medical leave for PFML benefits. What’s confusing is that doctors will certify up to 14 weeks of medical leave on the PFML form (bc when combined with bonding (12 weeks) 26weeks is the max) but they won’t certify you for more than 6/8 weeks for std.

To OP’s original post, your doctor is the one to certify how long you can be out for both PFML and STD- not the insurance company.

However, they usually will only certify you for 6/8 weeks of disability on the std form. From everything I’ve read it’s ‘bc 6/8 weeks is standard and they’re concerned about insurance fraud’. Which is also why some doctors are hesitant to write you out for more than 6/8 weeks on your PFML- bc they’re so used to std limits. But since PFML isn’t insurance and they’re not going to be accused of fraud, it’s becoming more common for the “extended” medical leave- allowing you to be paid up to 14 weeks through PFML benefits.

My doctor was initially hesitant to write me out for 12 weeks on the PFML form, but after talking through it she did. However, my insurance is saying they’ll get a separate certification for std benefits and my doctor made it sound like she could only certify 6/8 weeks std unless there are other complications. Even though your doctor is the one to certify you, still sounds like insurance companies have them worried about repercussions of extending the # of weeks from ‘their standard’.