The death of a husband or wife is one of life's most devastating experiences. MMBB representatives are available to help you cope.

Here are some steps you may take:

• Be sure to call MMBB for help at this difficult time. Also, if you are a church member, other church members may be eager to help.
  
  
• If your spouse was covered under your medical and dental benefits, you will want to drop your spouse's coverage. Benefit Planners at 866.868.0502.
  
  
• Submit flexible spending account (FSA) claims. If either of you participated in an FSA, be sure to file all your spouse's eligible claims.
  
  
• Check with the Social Security Administration to stop any benefits that were being paid and to see if any survivor benefits are payable.
  
  
• Notify Medicare of the death, if applicable.
  
  
• Change your beneficiary designations as needed for life insurance and retirement programs. You may want to review your insurance needs, including checking into long-term care insurance.
  
  
• Contact your spouse's employer, if any, to see if additional benefits are available. Contact your employer to make arrangements for time off, to change your tax withholding and to update emergency contact information.
  
  
• Speak to your lawyer for your legal needs at this time, including the duties involved in executing the will, changing ownership of property and managing the estate through probate if an estate is required.
  
  
• In times of change, be sure to take care of yourself. Watch your nutrition and exercise, and get help when you need it.