(1) Regular employees are eligible to participate in the town’s insurance programs. The programs and criteria for eligibility will be explained at the time the employee becomes eligible to join. Insurance benefits will be prorated for regular part-time employees hired after the date of original adoption of these policies. The town reserves the right to make changes in the carriers and provisions of these programs when deemed necessary or advisable.

(2) Upon mutual agreement between the employee and the town, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, the town will continue health insurance coverage at the employee’s expense during an approved unpaid leave of absence.

(3) While an employee is receiving worker’s compensation benefits, the town may continue to pay the employee’s health insurance premiums for up to six months, after which the employee may choose to self-pay insurance premiums.

(4) While an employee is receiving Washington State paid family and medical leave and is unable to physically work or use paid time off accruals during that period, the town will continue to pay the employer’s portion of health insurance premiums for up to six months or until the PFML ends, whichever comes first, after which the employee may choose to self-pay insurance premiums. Employees are responsible for their share of the cost throughout the leave. (Ord. 660 § 1, 2022; Ord. 518 § 2, 2009)