New Five-Year Cap on STF Health Plan Coverage While on Leave

Starting July 1, 2022, members will no longer be covered under the STF Members’ Health Plan after five years of a continuous leave of absence while under contract.

Currently, there are no limits for how long a contracted teacher can be on a leave of absence and still receive MHP benefits. However, the STF Pension and Benefits Board of Directors and the STF Executive approved the change as part of a larger rewrite of the MHP Plan Text.

Members who are currently on leave will have five years starting on July 1, 2022, before their coverage under the MHP ends. Any members starting a new leave on or after July 1, 2022, will also have five years before their MHP coverage ends. If the member returns to work under contract, their coverage will be re-instated after a 20-day qualification period.

These changes were part of a larger rewrite to the Plan Texts of both the MHP and the Teachers’ Long-Term Disability Plan. Both plans have been operating under the original Plan Texts approved at the time each plan was created; but until now, had not been updated for clarity and consistency. No other material changes have been made to either plan as a result of the rewrite.

Members who have currently been on leave for longer than two years will be receiving communication from the MHP to inform them of this change. Should you have any questions about your MHP coverage, please contact the STF.