Supplemental death benefits coverage

Supplemental death benefits are paid to your designated beneficiaries or, if you did not designate any beneficiaries, to your spouse, eligible dependents, or estate. You are always the beneficiary for any spouse or child benefit.

Amount of benefit

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

*Includes all eligible dependent children in the family as defined by the Benefits Plan

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, effective the first of the following year
  

You may elect this coverage for yourself or your eligible family members. You 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, called evidence of insurability.

• If you apply for coverage of $25,000 or $50,000 when first eligible, evidence of insurability is not required; it is required at any other time for all coverage amounts, regardless of when enrolling.
• Evidence of insurability is always required for your spouse, regardless of the coverage amount.
• Evidence of insurability requirements do not apply to coverage for your children.

Cost

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 amount, 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 Jan. 1 each year.

Note: Displayed costs may be rounded.

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-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752) (TTY: 711).