SECTION 260:40-31-1. Individual remittances to the Plan Administrator

(a)   The following individuals are eligible to make direct remittances to the Plan Administrator for health, life, dental, disability, and any other elected options.

(1)   An eligible employee on approved leave without pay; or

(2)   Disability recipients.

(b)   While on suspension without pay, an employee may continue coverage. If the agency which has suspended the employee fails to pay the employee's flexible benefit allowance, the agency shall provide written notice to the Plan Administrator that the employee has been given reasonable, written notice that the agency has failed to pay the employee's flexible benefit allowance and that the premium payments must be paid by the employee if the coverage is to remain in force and in effect. Coverage is limited to ninety (90) days following the date of suspension or the duration of the administrative appeals process, whichever is greater.

(c)   Unless authorized by the rules of this Chapter for a different method of payment, all premiums due shall be remitted directly to the Plan Administrator by the tenth of the month for which the payment is due. All checks, money orders, and cashier's checks shall be made payable to the Employee Benefits Department. The full amount of the payment for the coverage elected by the individual must be remitted each month. All remittances shall be the sole responsibility of the member, subject to final approval by the Plan Administrator.

(d)   If payment is not received by the end of the month for which the payment is due, coverage may be canceled effective the end of the month in which the last premium was received, except those premiums withheld through the disability program. If the participant proves that the failure to pay premiums was not due to the participant's negligence, the Plan Administrator may reinstate coverage within sixty (60) days. The reinstated coverage shall be subject to payment of any required premiums and submission of evidence of insurability of the employee if required by the insurance company providing the coverage. The employee shall be notified in writing of cancellation of coverage.

(e)   Coverage may be canceled if the participant's payment is returned or refused due to insufficient funds or closed account, unless the check is returned due to no fault of the participant.

[Source: Added at 31 Ok Reg 1358, eff 9-12-14]