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Disability of a Plan Member

p9intro). Your financial responsibilities continue even if you are unable to work because of illness or injury. Disability benefits provide income protection so you can focus on getting better.

If you are a member of the Benefits for Life Program, you are eligible for disability benefits as defined by the plan. The plan:

  • will replace a percentage of your pre-disability compensation;
  • will increase your disability benefits each year based on a formula that includes the Consumer Price Index;
  • will provide a monthly child’s benefit for eligible children up to age 21;
  • will continue Retirement Plan contributions and your group term life insurance coverage; and
  • may continue employer-paid health insurance in effect when you became disabled.

If you become disabled, consider taking the following steps:

Apply for Disability

  • If you are eligible for disability benefits under the Benefits for Life program, be sure to call Aetna at 877.889.0242 to apply for disability benefits.
  • If you serve a church, work with the congregation to ensure that your good work continues while you work to get better.
  • If your disability is job-related, be sure to contact your state workers’ compensation board to apply for workers’ compensation benefits.
  • Be aware of the maximum age limits for receiving disability benefits.

Review Your Health Insurance

  • If you anticipate having medical care such as elective surgery or a planned hospital stay, be sure to obtain advance authorization if your medical plan requires it.
  • If it looks like you may need ongoing care, you and your doctor may want to explore alternatives to an extensive hospital stay, including an extended care or nursing facility, home health care or hospice care.
  • After you have reached age 65 or if you have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for two years, you may be eligible for Medicare.

Understand Your Flexible Saving Accounts (FSA)

  • If you participate in a health care flexible spending account or a dependent care flexible spending account, check to see how your disability affects your ongoing contributions. Be sure to file any eligible claims you and your family incurred before your disability date.

Consider Your Personal Affairs, Taxes and Estate Planning

  • Be sure to make arrangements to pay any insurance premiums, such as for life insurance, so your policies don’t lapse.
  • If you work for an employer subject to the Family and Medical Leave Act (generally FMLA applies to employers with more than 50 employees) you may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within 12 months. Check with your employer to see what advance notice is required for your leave.
  • Speak to your lawyer if you need to create or change your will or other legal documents. You may want to consider a power of attorney, a health care power of attorney and a living will, so your affairs can be handled as you wish, even if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. If you are supportive of organ or tissue donation, you may wish to complete a donation form and make this known to friends and family as well.
  • Contact MMBB to ensure your beneficiary forms are on file and correctly reflect your wishes. Request new ones if updates are needed.
  • The Tools section can help you model the effect your disability could have on your future savings needs.

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.
  • Think about what child care arrangements you need during your disability.