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Benefit Plan (LTD & Life/AD&D): New Option and Improvements for 2020

Date: September 25, 2019

The FCMM Benefit Plan for Group Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance with Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (Life/AD&D) Insurance program will be enhanced for the 2020 coverage year. The program provides affordable, guaranteed-issue group coverage LTD and Life/AD&D insurance to staff of participating employers.

For 2020 renewals, improved features include:

  • LTD coverage will pay 60% of annual salary to a maximum of $170,000 as of July 1, 2019, which is increased from the previous maximum annual salary of $120,000.
  • An option will be added to increase coverage for Life/AD&D from $10,000 to $50,000.
  • Quarterly invoicing will separate the LTD and Life/AD&D components for more accurate local church budgeting and expensing.
  • Open Enrollment period will change to an earlier period of October 15 to December 1, with a January 1 coverage start.

Billing

Beginning with the first quarterly billing for 2020, the rates for LTD and Life/AD&D will each be clearly identified. The new LTD rate will decrease to $.008 times total annual salary, and the Life/AD&D rate will be $3/month for $10,000 benefit or $15/month for $50,000 benefit. The program includes a selection of either level of life insurance, but must include one.

This separation of rates may result in a small combined increase for some participants and a small decrease for others. The aim, however, is improved billing along with the option to elect a higher Life/AD&D benefit.

Enrollment

New eligible employees must be enrolled within 30 days of the full-time hire date. If an eligible employee is not enrolled within this time period, the next opportunity will be during open enrollment. The new dates for the annual open enrollment are October 15 to December 1 for a January 1 coverage start.

More Information

FCMM will be mailing detailed information regarding the 2020 Long Term Disability and Life/AD&D to all current participating employers. In addition, each enrolled employee will receive an email on the new Life/AD&D option and improvements.  More information can be found here.

Response forms will be required from each church and enrolled employee.

Unique features include: (1) Total annual salary including minister housing allowance is included as the basis for benefits. (2) Spousal disability benefit is included.