Hey Lee
Usually there is only one handbook, otherwise it could be considered descrimination.
I was similar to you. I was a salaried supervisor, with OT paid after 45 hours. But my benefits were the same.
READ the handbook carefully.
DO NOT LET YOUR INSURANCE LAPSE! Call human resources. If you are going on LTD, why should you have to pay, I Don't Know??? Maybe for your family?
You really need to find this out. Take my thoughts with a grain of salt.
THIS IS AS SERIOUS AS YOUR ILLNESS...
Good Luck, PeyeyB