Coverage is mandatory for all eligible employees. An eligible employee is a permanent part-time or a full time office or supervisory employee working at least 25 hours per week for an employer participating in the Merit Contractors Association Benefit Plan. The waiting period is consistent with the member company’s probationary period, ranging from no waiting period to six months from the date of employment. All benefits are mandatory, with the exception of extended health and dental care which may be waived only when similar coverage is in place under another plan.