Mahopac Teachers Association Benefit Fund
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Leave of Absence

The MTA Benefit Fund
c/o Preferred Group Plans
P.O. Box 15136
Albany, NY 12212-5136
1-800-573-7474  

People taking a LEAVE need to let the MTABF know. The DISTRICT OFFICE does NOT inform the MTABF of employees going on leave. BENEFITS are NOT the same as when you are working.  Contact Christine at mtaBenefitfund@gmail.com

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) became effective August 5, 1993, for most employers and employees.  This law covers only certain employers; affects only those employees eligible for the protections of the law; involves entitlement to leave, maintenance of health benefits during leave, and job restoration after leave; sets requirements for notice and certification of the need for FMLA leave; and protects employees who request or take FMLA leave.

Covered employers must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons:

  • for the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee;
  • for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care;
  • to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or
  • to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.

Anyone granted leave by the district is eligible to maintain his/her MTABF benefits via the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA.)  COBRA provides temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates.  Anyone going out on leave will receive information from the district concerning his/her major medical and from Preferred Group Plans regarding his/her MTABF benefits. 

It is your decision as to whether or not you elect to participate in COBRA. If you elect to participate in COBRA you have the ability to continue some or all of your Mahopac Teachers Association Benefit Fund (MTABF) benefits. If you choose not to participate in COBRA you are forfeiting your right to utilize certain benefits provided to you by the MTABF. 

Regardless of whether you choose COBRA or not, the MTABF will continue to pay for your life insurance coverage.
If you elect not to participate in COBRA, you will forfeit the following benefits:

1. Vision
2. Dental (Any paid coverage for dependent or family will continue)
3. Variable Benefit
4. Major Medical Deductible
5. Legal

It is your responsibility to keep the MTABF informed of your leave status. Failure to do so could result in the loss or termination of benefits. It is also your responsibility to keep the MTABF of any life changes that occur. Any changes that occur require legal documentation. For example the birth or adoption of a child requires that you fill out a Change of Status Form & provide proof of the birth or adoption.

Questions relating to MTABF benefits & COBRA may be directed to Preferred Group Plans.  Preferred Group Plans can be reached at 1-800-573-7474.

Helpful Links:

  •  Mahopac COBRA Letter
  •  Mahopac COBRA Enrollment Form
  •  U.S. Department of Labor Web Site - Family & Medical Leave Act
  •  Preferred Group Plans Web Site​
  •  NY State Health Plans

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  • Home
  • Blog
  • Accountability
  • Dental
  • Financial
  • Hearing
  • Leave
  • Legal
  • Life
  • Major Medical
  • New Hire
  • NYSUT
  • Preferred
  • Retire
  • Variable
  • Vision