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of the date of birth. Additionally, the social security numbers of a covered

spouse, if applicable, and/or dependents up to age 26, if applicable shall be

provided to the Plan Administrator in order to verify continued eligibility
for family coverage and to facilitate coordination of benefits.

(b) Covered dependents of employees who are activated for military duty
as a result of an action declared by the President of the United States or

Congress shall continue health insurance coverage with no employee
contribution for a period not to exceed 12 months from the date of

activation, less any period the employee remains in full pay status.
Contribution free health insurance coverage will end at such time as the

employee's active duty is terminated or the employee returns to State
employment, whichever occurs first.

§9.21 Domestic Partners
Domestic partners who meet the definition of a partner and can provide

acceptable proofs of financial interdependence as outlined in the Affidavit
of Domestic Partnership and Affidavit of Financial Interdependency shall

be eligible for health care coverage. As part of this agreement, the impact
of such domestic partner coverage under the Empire Plan will continue to

be reviewed through the Joint Committee on Health Benefits, including the
appropriateness of the existing waiting periods.

§9.22 Seasonal Employees
(a) Seasonal employees who, at the time of hire, are expected to be

continuously employed on at least a half-time basis for at least six-months,
shall be eligible to apply for health insurance coverage as of the date of

employment. Coverage shall be subject to a 42-day new employee waiting

period starting on the date of first employment, and benefits shall be
available as of the 43rd day of employment, assuming the employee
submitted a written application for coverage during the 42-day waiting

period and was on the payroll or on authorized workers' compensation

leave without pay for the entire 42-day waiting period.
(b) Seasonal employees who, at the time of hire, are not expected to be

continuously employed on at least a half-time basis for at least six months,
shall not be eligible for health benefits at the start of employment.

However, upon actual completion of six months of continuous employment
on at least a half-time basis, an employee so hired shall become eligible to

apply for health benefits. Coverage shall become effective following the

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