Supplemental death benefits coverage

Supplemental death benefits coverage is not the same as the survivor's pension or the salary continuation benefit; the benefits provided by supplemental death benefits are in addition to other death benefits provided under the plan.

Amount of benefit

There are different coverage levels available to you, your spouse (if you are married), and your eligible children.

Enrollment

If eligible, you may apply for, increase, or discontinue supplemental death benefits coverage

• when you first enroll in the Benefits Plan;
• within 60 days of a qualifying life event; or
• during annual enrollment for coverage, effective the first of the following year.

You may elect this coverage for yourself or eligible family members and are not required to elect coverage for yourself in order to elect coverage for your spouse and/or eligible children.

Evidence of insurability

When you apply for supplemental death coverage for yourself and/or your spouse, you and/or your spouse may be prompted to complete online health statements.

• If you apply for coverage of $25,000 or $50,000 when first eligible, evidence of insurability is not required; evidence of insurability is required at any other time for all coverage amounts regardless of when enrolling.
• If you apply for this coverage, you will be required to provide evidence of insurability for any amount if you were previously eligible for supplemental death benefits and did not enroll.
• Evidence of insurability is always required for your spouse, regardless of the coverage amount applied for.
• Evidence of insurability requirements do not apply to coverage for your children.

Cost/contributions

Your employer may pay some, none, or all of the cost of supplemental death benefits coverage. The Board of Pensions will bill your employer for coverage; your employer will then deduct the appropriate charges, if any, from your paycheck.

The cost of the coverage is determined by nicotine use (including but not limited to nicotine, nicotine replacement products, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape pens, cigars, and chewing tobacco), coverage level, and age. In the first year of participation, the cost is based on your age on the date coverage begins. After that, the cost is based on your age as of January 1 each year.

Note: Displayed costs may be rounded.

Your employer may require you to pay the cost for supplemental death benefits or may contribute to all or part of its cost.

Changes in nicotine use

You are responsible for notifying the Board of Pensions if your or your spouse’s nicotine use changes. If you begin using nicotine products, you must notify the Board so rates are adjusted appropriately. If you quit using nicotine products, you should notify the Board after remaining nicotine-free for 12 months to qualify for lower rates. Report changes in nicotine use by calling the Board at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).

Tobacco cessation support

The Board of Pensions provides Breathe Easy through Ignite Your Life, part of the Call to Health online well-being program, to help active members and spouses to become nicotine-free. For information or to enroll, go to the Call to Health website and click Ignite Your Life.