benefits briefs

Information about these and other benefits is available by contacting the Benefits Center, 807 S. Wright St., Suite 480; 333-3111; or visit the Web site, http://hrnet.uihr.uillinois.edu/benefits/benhome.html.

Open enrollment for university plans runs through Nov. 7

Term life and AD&D insurance

Employees at the UI may enroll for term life insurance coverage (administered by ReliaStar, formerly Northwestern National Life), and accidental death and dismemberment coverage (sponsored by CNA Life Insurance Co.) through Nov. 7.

The open-enrollment period provides eligible employees with the opportunity to enroll in or to increase their current coverage without being required to answer health-related questions or provide evidence of insurability. Faculty and staff members are eligible to participate in either of these plans provided they are covered under the state health-insurance program. Enrollment information for ReliaStar term life will be mailed to the homes of eligible faculty and staff members. CNA enrollment information is available at the Benefits Center.

Coverage amounts available during the open enrollment period include:

• Employee term life insurance
  $10,000, $20,000 or $30,000 with the monthly premium based on age at the time of enrollment and guaranteed for three years. Spouse coverage is available subject to evidence of insurability. Coverage for dependent children also can be purchased for $5,000 or $10,000 for a fixed monthly premium.
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  Employee only or family coverage may be purchased in amounts ranging from $25,000 to $300,000. The monthly premium is based on the selected benefit amount regardless of age. Included with this plan at no additional cost is emergency assistance services when traveling outside the United States.

Long-term disability insurance

Enrollment packets for long-term disability insurance recently were distributed to the campus addresses of faculty and staff members. The plan is designed to supplement the State University Retirement System (SURS) disability benefit. It will guarantee a level 66 2/3 percent of covered salary benefit by supplementing the SURS 50 percent of salary benefit or by paying its benefit when one may not be available from SURS. Persons who should consider this plan:

• Employees with less than two years of service. (No benefits are available for an illness disability until an individual has been a SURS participant for two years).
• Employees with few years of service whose SURS benefit may be exhausted in a short period. (SURS benefits are paid until total benefits paid equal one-half the individual's earnings while participating in the system.)
• Any employee concerned about the adequacy of the SURS 50 percent of salary benefit.

Enrollment in the plan is guaranteed regardless of health condition during the open enrollment period; however, a pre-existing condition limitation could be applicable to disabilities occurring within the first two years of coverage.

More information about the long-term disability plan will be provided at the following sessions:

• Oct. 20: 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. or noon, Illini Union Room A.
• Oct. 21: 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. or noon, 101 Armory Building.

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