Quick Answer

Your benefits during a leave of absence depend on the type of leave, your eligibility status, and applicable plan rules. In some cases, benefits may continue during a leave as long as required premium payments are made on time.

How Benefits Typically Work During a Leave

While details vary by leave type, the following generally applies:

• Benefits may continue during certain approved leaves.

• You are responsible for paying your portion of benefit premiums.

• If payroll deductions are not available, alternate payment arrangements may be required.

• Failure to make required premium payments may result in termination of benefits coverage.

• If coverage continues, missed premiums may be repaid through payroll deductions when you return to work.

• If coverage is terminated due to nonpayment, reinstatement may not be possible until the next Open Enrollment or a qualifying life event.

Example: How Benefit Premium Payments May Work During a Leave

Scenario:

• A team member begins an approved leave on March 15.

• Benefits normally cost $150 per pay period, deducted from payroll.

What happens next:

• Before the leave begins: HR confirms whether benefits will continue and explains payment options and deadlines.
• During the leave (no paycheck):
  • Payroll deductions are not available.
  • The team member must submit direct premium payments to keep coverage active.
• Payment deadline:
  • Premiums for April coverage are due by the communicated deadline.

  • If payment is not received on time, benefits coverage may be terminated.

• Upon return to work:

  • If coverage continued, any missed premiums may be repaid through payroll deductions.

  • If coverage was terminated, reinstatement may be limited by IRS rules and plan terms.

What You Should Do Before and During a Leave

Before your leave begins:

• Contact HR to understand how your benefits will be handled.

• Confirm whether coverage will continue and how premiums must be paid.

• Review payment timelines carefully.

During your leave:

• Track payment due dates closely.

• Notify HR immediately if your leave status or length changes.

• Keep records of any payments made.

When to Contact HR Immediately

• You are unsure how or when to make a required payment.

• You miss or may miss a payment deadline.

• Your leave status changes unexpectedly.

• You receive notice that your coverage may end.

Helpful Tip

Planning ahead and staying in communication with HR is the best way to avoid benefit interruptions during a leave of absence.