Long Term Disability Insurance
Manatee County Government fully funds the cost of a Core Long Term Disability Insurance policy for all employees who are eligible for Manatee YourChoice Health Plan benefits. Additionally, employees are able to buy an optional upgrade (Additional Long Term Disability) to enhance the Core benefit.
- Core Long Term Disability Insurance: There is no employee cost for the Core Long Term Disability benefit; it is 100% employer-paid.
- Additional Long Term Disability: The cost is a semi-monthly rate (payroll deducted) that is subject to change based on the employee's age and salary. Participating employees pay 100% of the cost of this additional coverage.
What insurance company provides the Long Term Disability Insurance coverage?
The Hartford Insurance Company is the provider company for both our Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance Plans.
What is Core Long Term Disability Insurance?
Core Long Term Disability is an employer-paid benefit that allows you to receive benefits if you become disabled (supported by submission of medical documentation) and are unable to work for more than 90 days. The policy pays out benefits equal to 50% of your base monthly salary, with a maximum benefit of $3,000 per month. In some cases, benefits can be paid out until your
What is Additional Long Term Disability Insurance?
Additional Long Term Disability is a 100% employee-paid benefit that supplements and enhances the Core Long Term Disability benefit. With the Additional Long Term Disability add-on, the Long Term Disability benefit increases to 66-2/3% of your base monthly salary, with a larger maximum benefit of $5,000 per month.
What are the rates? Will they change?
Your premiums are determined by your age (in 5-year age bands) and salary. Current rates can be found within the Benefit Express portal during enrollment. Each year your premium may change if your age change moves you into a new age bracket and/or if your salary increases or decreases.
What Is Evidence of Insurability?
Evidence of Insurability (EOI) pertains to certain medical standards a prospective insured must meet in order to be insured by an insurance company.
The Evidence of Insurability (EOI) Rules are:
- EOI is not required when there is a change to the coverage amount because an employee's salary has increased.
- EOI is not required by a new employee who elects Short Term Disability during their New Hire enrollment window.
- EOI is required by an employee applying for Short Term Disability at any time (including Annual Enrollment) that is outside of their New Hire enrollment window.
If an employee becomes disabled, how long prior to the effective date for benefits should an employee start to complete claim forms?
An employee who expects their disability to be more than 90 days should contact Employee Health Benefits at Ext. 6419 at least 45 days prior to the expected Effective Date.
Is an employee required to use their accrued sick and/or vacation benefits during the 90-day waiting period?
Yes. Any accrued Sick Leave or Sick Leave Bank must be used up to the 90 days.
If I return to work prior to the 90 days and then take a new leave of absence for the same condition, will my original leave of absence count toward the 90-day waiting period?
Yes. A period of Disability is continuous even if you return to active service for up to 15 days during the Benefit Waiting Period.