Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience. Q: If the government shuts down, would furloughed employees retain their Federal Employee Health Benefits coverage? If a federal employee were on FMLA leave during a furlough, would the time on the furlough be deducted from the leave time? Can a federal employee use accrued paid leave during a furlough? A: In the event of a government shutdown, the Office of Personnel Management has assured employees that even if they are…