ARTICLE 16
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
16.1 Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.) Section 125 Plan
16.1.1Premium Payment Plan
The District shall provide full dental coverage (under Delta Dental) and full family vision coverage under the Vision Services Plan with a twenty dollar ($20.00) deductible for the 12/12/24 Plan. Such vision and dental coverage shall apply to dependents of unit members who have qualified for coverage under the CalPERS Health Program, as well as coverage through the CalPERS Health Program.
16.1.2 Flexible Spending Arrangement
After purchasing medical benefits under CalPERS or providing proof of alternate coverage, the 125 plan may be utilized, within the sole discretion of the employee, to voluntarily purchase with pre-tax dollars, other kinds of benefits, e.g., orthodontia, child care, etc. Purchase of these additional benefits is the employee’s sole responsibility; of an employee chooses to “set aside” a certain amount of money, but fails to fully utilize the amount within the plan year, any amount not used is surrendered.
16.2 The District’s medical benefit allocation for each unit member electing to be covered will be $192 per year ($16.00 per month for 12 months).
16.3 The District shall provide full family dental coverage (under Delta Dental) and full family vision coverage under the Vision Services Plan with a twenty dollar ($20.00) deductible for the 12/12/24 Plan.
16.4 New Unit Members
16.4.1 New unit members must enroll in dental and vision plans within thirty (30) days of the first date of employment. Insurance coverage will begin on the first day of the month following the receipt of the health benefits application in the Risk Management office. The District will provide new unit members with an explanation of these plans in sufficient time to enable meeting the 30 day enrollment deadline.
16.5 Payroll Deduction Rights and Information
16.5.1. In addition to the foregoing District-paid plans, a unit member may authorize amounts to be withheld for premiums of certain group life, income protection, and liability insurance plans.
16.6 Leaves of Absence - Effect on Benefits
16.6.1.1 Unit members on an authorized paid or unpaid leave of absence may continue their medical through an option of self-paying for benefits. An employee who wishes to sign-up for self-pay benefits must contact the Risk Management Department prior to the commencement of the leave.
16.6.1.2 Unit members on an authorized unpaid leave of absence may continue their dental and vision coverage under the self-pay option. An employee who wishes to sign-up for self-pay benefits must contact the Risk Management Department prior to commencing a leave of absence.
Benefits will automatically continue for the month in which the leave begins and one succeeding month. The amount of any premium required will be withheld from the employee’s check. An employee wishing NOT to continue medical benefits during a paid or unpaid leave of absence must cancel those benefits with the Risk Management department.
16.6.1.3 An employee returning from an unpaid leave of absence must contact the Risk Management Department prior to his/her return to re-enroll for benefits.
16.6.2 Payment in advance for a three-month premium is required.
In the event of a price increase in any of the coverages, the unit member on leave will pay the increase. A billing will be sent to the unit member on leave for immediate payment. It shall be the unit member's responsibility to notify the District of any change of address or family status to ensure continuity of coverages. Prepaid premiums for dental and vision coverage must be received by the tenth of the preceding month in the office of the Budget and Fiscal Services Director for coverage to continue effective. Coverages must continue without interruption in order to ensure eligibility and protection. Self-paid premiums for medical coverage will, after an initial payment to the district, be billed directly by the carrier.
16.7 The District will continue current practice of providing dental and
vision benefits for unit members while on Family Care Leave.
16.8 Duration of Benefits
Unit members who work a complete school year and are in paid status on June 30 shall be provided with dental and vision benefits through September of the following school year, and with medical benefits through September of the following year if they have been purchased pursuant to section 16.1.1. A complete school year is defined as being in paid status for a minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of the employee’s contract year (e.g. 138 days = 75% X 183 days).
16.9 COBRA
16.9.1 The benefits provided in this Article shall remain in effect
during the term of this Agreement. Should a unit member's
employment terminate, he/she shall be entitled to continued
coverage under the medical, dental and vision
plans in accord with federal law (C.O.B.R.A.).
16.9.2 Current law provides for continued participation for a
maximum of eighteen (18) months. A unit member wishing
to participate in this program after termination shall pay the
premiums for the continued coverages in addition to a
service charge as provided by law.