The purpose of FMLA is to give employers job security once their serious medical conditions are healed and the employee is able to work again and continuation of medical insurance while unable to work.  The employer is obligated to reinstate the employee to a job, not necessarily the same job they had prior to taking leave, but one of similar responsibility and similar pay.  As far as medical benefits the employer is responsible to pay your portion of the benefits, although they are allowed to charge the employee for that portion while on leave or upon returning to work.