Military Leave

When you go on active military leave, your coverage ends the date your coverage through the military is effective.

• For absence of 30 days or less, health insurance benefits continue as if you have not been absent.
• For absence of 31 days or more, coverage stops unless you elect to pay for COBRA coverage.

If you are on leave without pay status, coverage on your dependent(s) is continued through the end of the month in which the leave begins. You or your dependent(s) are eligible to continue coverage under COBRA provisions during your military leave. If you are utilizing annual and/or compensatory balances and remain on the payroll, the dependent coverage is at the active employee rate.

Active Employees: Upon return to employment, you and your previously covered dependents are eligible for immediate coverage. Coverage may be reinstated the first of the month in which you return to employment, the first of the month following your return to employment, or the first of the month following the loss of military coverage. In order for your coverage to be reinstated, you must submit the completed Change/Cancellation (M-2) form within 31 days of your return to work. Premium is due for that entire month, unless you elect coverage effective the first of the following month. If you fail to reinstate your coverage, you cannot enroll in an MCHCP plan until the next Open Enrollment.

Terminated Vested Subscribers or Retirees: If you are terminated vested or retired and are activated into military service, you may elect to suspend coverage while on active duty. If you suspend your coverage, coverage for your dependents would also be suspended. The same level of coverage with the same plan may be reinstated upon discharge if application is made within 31 days of discharge.

As a terminated vested or retired member, submit a copy of your active duty orders and complete a Change/Cancellation (M-2) form. When you are separated from active duty, you can re-enroll with MCHCP by submitting an official document reflecting the separation date with a Change/Cancellation (M-2) form within 31 days of your release/discharge. Coverage may be reinstated the first of the month in which you return from active duty, the first of the month following your return, or the first of the month following the loss of military coverage. If you fail to reinstate coverage within 31 days from release/discharge, you cannot enroll at a later date.