2008 Benefits for Life Optional Coverage Program – Open Enrollment!
April 29, 2008
Open Enrollment period: May 5 – June 13, 2008
Benefits for Life, the employee-paid, optional coverage program offered to State of Michigan eligible employees is designed to help you be safe, be protected and be prepared. The program offers you the opportunity to apply for coverage in key benefit areas and continue that coverage should you change jobs or retire.
Don’t miss this year’s opportunity to learn more about two new benefit plans being offered (see below) and an enhanced supplemental term life program that does not require medical questions. Program options include the following:
Discount Plan (New for 2008 and Offered at No Charge to Employees)
The discount plan provides exclusive discounts from thousands of local and national merchants.
In order to participate in the Discount Plan simply request a Discount Card from your Benefits for Life Representative. Discount Cards are only available during open enrollment.
• Sample Discounts: Sprint/Nextel -15% off monthly rates, Target.com - up to 10% off purchases, Costco - offers for new and existing members, Brooks Brothers – 15% off any purchase, Walt Disney World - save up to $25 per ticket, Philips Consumer Electronics - Up to 40% off including flat screen TVs. Additional offers for Southwest Airlines, 1-800-Flowers, Overstock.com, Rental Cars, Hotels, Movie Tickets, and more!
Legal Plan (New for 2008 and Offered at $11.73 per Pay Period)
The legal plan provides access to a network of attorneys, over the phone or in person, for many common personal legal issues. Please note: Minimum Enrollment of 12 months is required.
• Sample Coverages: Preparation of wills/trusts, powers of attorney, purchase or sale of your primary residence, debt collection, identity theft services, divorce, IRS tax audits, tax assistance, adoption, juvenile court and many others.
Supplemental Term Life Insurance (No Medical Questions in 2008 up to GI Limits)
Provides life insurance protection for employee, spouse and children.
• 2008 Guarantee Issue Offering (No Medical Questions up to Guarantee Issue Limits): For 2008, all eligible employees may obtain up to $250,000 of Supplemental Term Life Coverage without answering any medical questions. Spouses ($50,000) and Children ($10,000) are also able to enroll without medical questions. Guarantee issue limits include prior purchases.
Auto and Home Insurance
Provides coverage for your automobile(s), home and other types of personal insurance.
• Receive a 10% discount on automobile insurance and a 5% discount on your homeowners insurance—just for being a State of Michigan employee.
Universal Life Insurance
Provides life insurance protection for employee, spouse, children and grandchildren. Builds cash value and includes a variety of living benefits including long term care.
• Eligible employees hired after January 23, 2007 may apply for guaranteed issue (no medical questions) up to specified levels of coverage.
Critical Illness Insurance
Provides a lump sum cash benefit upon first diagnosis of a covered critical illness, including cancer.
2008 Employee Education and Enrollment Process
The 2008 employee education and enrollment process will take place from May 5 through June, 13, 2008. In most locations, Benefits Representatives will be available to conduct onsite group education meetings and/or meet individually with you at your work location. During the meetings, the Benefits Representative will provide information about the Benefits for Life plans and explain how to enroll. If you choose to meet individually with a Benefits Representative, you can obtain personalized rate quotes, have your questions answered and receive assistance in the enrollment process. With your supervisor’s prior approval, you may use administrative leave to attend these meetings.
You will be notified of the available dates and meeting times for your location. A call center enrollment option will be made available to employees at locations where onsite meetings are not scheduled or for employees unable to attend a meeting. Look for worksite posters and information from your Department for meeting dates and times at your location. You can visit the Civil Service Commission website for more information about the program at http://www.michigan.gov/mdcs. Click on Employee Benefits in the left menu and then on Voluntary Benefits.