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Death of a Spouse

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. If you are a church member, consider speaking with other church members; they are likely to be eager to help.
  • 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.

Health Insurance

  • If your spouse was covered under your medical and dental benefits, you will want to drop your spouse’s coverage. Call UMR at 866.868.0502.
  • Notify Medicare of the death, if applicable.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

  • Submit flexible spending account (FSA) claims. If either of you participated in an FSA, be sure to file all your spouse’s eligible claims.
  • Review and adjust contributions to your health care flexible spending account (FSA). A health care FSA lets you set aside pre-tax dollars to pay family health care costs not covered by another plan. As a result of your loss, you may become responsible for either more or fewer expenses.
  • Review and adjust contributions to your dependent care flexible spending account (FSA). A dependent care FSA lets you set aside pre-tax dollars to pay eligible dependent care expenses for a child under age 13 or a disabled adult. As a result of your loss, your dependent care needs may change.
  • This section can help you model the effect your new child could have on your future savings needs and how much you want to set aside for a health care FSA or a dependent care FSA.

Personal Affairs, Taxes and Estate Planning

  • Speak to your lawyer to better understand 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.
  • Check with the Social Security Administration to stop any benefits that were being paid and to see if any survivor benefits are payable.
  • Update your MMBB beneficiary designations to be sure they are up-to-date. If you’re not sure who you’ve named, you may wish to submit updated beneficiary forms for your MMBB benefits.
  • You may wish to review your own insurance needs at this time and update any other beneficiary designations for any benefits covering you.

Take Care of Yourself

  • In times of change, be sure to take care of yourself. Watch your nutrition and exercise, and get help when you need it.
  • Begin to consider what child care arrangements you may need, if any.