§ 2.60.490. Group health insurance.

A.

To the extent that a group health insurance plan is provided, eligibility shall be limited to county employees occupying permanent positions which are at least fifty percent of full-time employment.

B.

Upon initial hire, the eligible employee shall be covered under the group health insurance plan effective the first day of the month following six months after the employee's first day of work.

C.

Department heads shall be eligible for health insurance coverage after thirty days of employment with proof of insurability.

D.

The county shall provide group health insurance at the amount, if any, provided in the current memorandum of understanding covering the affected employees. In the event an employee take a leave of absence, the affected employee shall be required to compensate the county for the full premium cost in order to remain covered under the group health insurance plan. Such benefit shall not extend beyond one hundred twenty days without board of supervisors approval.

E.

Employees wishing to change, drop, or reinstate group health insurance coverage shall be bound by provisions provided in the current memorandum of understanding and the policies and rules established by the insurance carrier.

F.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the county's discretion in making group health insurance coverage changes or changing the level of contribution, nor shall this section be construed to require the county to provide group health insurance coverage.

G.

The county will continue to pay the amount provided for retired employees at the rates at the time of adoption of this chapter. Any increase shall be at the sole discretion of the board of supervisors. Nonretired employees may participate in the insurance plan as per state or federal requirements; provided, however, such participation shall be at the employee's expense.

H.

Prior to the appointment of an employee to a "difficult to recruit for" position, per Section 2.60.410, a department head shall make a written request to the personnel officer to provide early health care insurance. The coverage shall begin no sooner than thirty days following appointment. Such request shall follow prescribed procedures and provide sufficient documentation to enable the personnel officer to determine eligibility for early insurance coverage. This information shall be presented to the board of supervisors by the personnel officer for final action.

I.

Prior to appointment of a "critical class" employee to permanent full-time or permanent part-time, the department head shall make written request for early insurance to the personnel officer who will make final determination on eligibility for early insurance.

(Ord. 1151 §1(part), 1991; Ord. 1143 §1(part), 1990; Ord. 1087 §1(part), 1986)