I. The School Board may pay an employee’s normal health insurance contribution as provided herein.

A. The health insurance premium for one (1) month may be paid when an employee enters a nonpaid leave status. The employee shall be provided an opportunity to continue the total health insurance payment, after the School Board’s one (1) month contribution, pursuant to the provisions of COBRA.

B. Any employee who is on unpaid sick leave or unpaid approved family leave will receive up to a maximum of twelve (12) weeks of board portion of health insurance per insurance fiscal year. This rule is in compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Twelve (12) weeks will equal six (6) cumulative board portions which will occur when missing six (6) paychecks with board portions.

II. A school board member or employee who is a Florida resident and a member of the Florida National Guard or a reserve in any branch of the United States military and who is called into active military duty is entitled to health insurance pursuant to the provisions and conditions prescribed in Section 250.341, Florida Statutes.

III. The School Board shall not pay the contribution for dependents who are included in the employee’s health insurance premium. This contribution shall be paid by the employee.

IV. Retired school board personnel and their eligible dependents may continue to participate in the current group health insurance program of the District provided the person enrolls immediately upon retirement from active employment with the School Board and continues coverage without interruption. Retirement shall mean application for and receipt of retirement benefits under any Florida Retirement System plan. An employee who retires under the Public Employee Optional Retirement Program (PEORP) shall be considered a retiree if he/she meets the age and service requirements defined in 112.0801, F.S. The health insurance coverage shall be identical to that offered to school board employees. Health insurance premiums for continued participation shall be paid by the retiree.