Generally, the Trust early retiree voluntary dental and vision coverages must be elected as a package — either Basic Dental/Vision or Buy-up Dental/Vision — at the time you or your dependents are eligible to make your initial election for Trust early retiree medical coverage. The following are exceptions to this rule:

Except for early retirees who defer or suspend early retiree medical coverage, once you have enrolled in Trust early retiree voluntary dental/vision coverage, it must be continuous. (See "If You Defer Enrollment" for details.) That means, if you terminate Trust early retiree voluntary dental/vision coverage for any reason other than suspending or deferring Trust early retiree medical coverage, you cannot reinstate coverage. Coverage under the Trust Early Retiree Voluntary Dental/Vision Plans requires you to make monthly self-payments.

Also, once you elect a Trust Early Retiree Voluntary Dental/Vision Plan, you will not be able to change to another dental/vision coverage option in the future. For example, if you enroll in the Basic Dental/Vision, you may not enroll in Buy-up Dental/Vision or vice versa at a later time.

To participate in a Trust Early Retiree Voluntary Dental/Vision Plan, you must complete and return a Benefits Enrollment Form to the Trust Office. Even if you plan to defer enrollment to a later date, you must notify the Trust Office of your enrollment decision before your active District employee coverage ends.

You must submit your Benefits Enrollment Form within 60 days of the effective date of your retirement; otherwise, you will forfeit your right to self-pay for early retiree voluntary dental/vision coverage through the Trust, except as explained in "If You Defer Enrollment."

The Trust holds an open enrollment period each fall. You may enroll in a Trust Early Retiree Voluntary Dental/Vision Plan during open enrollment only if you have not previously enrolled for this coverage because you have suspended Trust early retiree medical coverage or you have dental/vision coverage through another group health plan.

If you have terminated dental/vision coverage for any reason other than suspending or deferring early retiree medical coverage, you may not re-enroll for dental/vision coverage during open enrollment. If you have previously elected a Trust Early Retiree Voluntary Dental/Vision Plan, you will not be able to change to another dental/vision plan option during open enrollment. For example, if you enroll in the Basic Dental/Vision, you may not enroll in Buy-up Dental/Vision or vice versa during open enrollment or at a later date.

Certain changes in your family or employment status qualify you to make midyear benefit changes. These changes are the same that apply to medical coverage and are discussed in "Midyear Enrollment."