If you take an approved, paid leave of absence, benefits coverage for you and your eligible dependents will continue as if you were still working. When you return to work from a paid leave, you do not need to re-enroll for benefits. However, it's a good idea to check with the Trust Office to make sure your records are in order — especially if you've been gone for any length of time.

If you take an approved, unpaid leave of absence, generally you'll have the option of continuing medical/prescription drug, dental and vision coverage for yourself and/or your dependents on a self-pay basis. Certain exceptions may apply based on collective bargaining agreements. Call the Trust Office at (844) 203-0239 for more information.

Upon returning to work from an unpaid leave, you must re-enroll for benefits before your coverage can resume or continue, even if you have been self-paying for coverage. You'll need to submit a new Benefits Enrollment Form to District HR/Benefits. You can request the form by calling the Trust Office at (844) 203-0239. You can also download and print the form from the Trust web site at www.sdtrust.com (Library/Forms).

If your leave is for voluntary or involuntary duty with certain uniformed services (e.g., the U.S. armed forces, National Guard, or commissioned members of the Public Health Service), medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage will remain in effect for you and your enrolled dependents for the lesser of the period of your leave or 24 months as long as you continue to pay your portion of any required monthly payments.

For authorized duty leaves of 31 days or more, your right to continue medical coverage will be the same as described in "How Long Coverage May Continue." Your right to continuation coverage does not end due to coverage under TriCare or other military coverage.