For the first time in many years, the UC-sponsored Supplemental Disability Plan will be open for enrollment this fall during Open Enrollment. The plan will be open for new enrollments, and those already enrolled may change their waiting period. No statement of health will be required.

This is a special, one-time opportunity to enroll. Usually employees may enroll only when they have a period of initial eligibility (PIE). Enrollment at any other time requires a statement of health, and the insurance company may or may not approve the enrollment.

Premiums for Supplemental Disability in 2006 will not increase over those for 2005. Coverage for those who enroll during Open Enrollment will be effective January 1, 2006.

Supplemental disability insurance coordinates with the automatic Short-Term Disability insurance to increase the amount of the monthly benefit and the length of time an employee may receive benefits beyond that offered by the UC-paid Short-Term Disability plan. Under the Short-Term plan, employees may receive 55% of their monthly earnings, up to $800 per month for six months. With Short-Term and Supplemental Disability Insurance, employees receive 70% of monthly earnings up to $10,000 per month for the first 12 months. In some cases, Supplemental disability benefits may continue to age 65 at a rate of 50 percent of monthly earnings after the first 12 months of benefits.

The University is offering this open enrollment because of the number of requests it has received for many years to provide an opportunity for people to enroll or change their coverage level. Disability insurance is an extremely important coverage that can often be overlooked.

For more information, see:

• Disability Insurance
• Disability/Pregnancy Disability