Death - The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

The death of a family member (spouse or dependent child) is a qualifying life event, which allows you to elect or change benefits for which you and your family members are eligible, or to add/remove your eligible family members from coverage — provided the event is reported within 60 days of the date it occurs.

You can report the death of a family member using Benefits Connect. You can also call 800-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752) (TTY: 711) and provide the representative with the family member's name and date of death.

See Reporting life events for more information.

Grief support

The Board offers support to help members cope with grief and loss. The Employee Assistance Plan, through Spring Health, provides eligible employees and their family members access to support for emotional well-being at times of loss, such as coaches, licensed counselors, and online resources.

Payment of benefits

If you are an eligible spouse, eligible child, or designated beneficiary, you will receive a letter from the Board asking that you complete, sign, and submit a Death Benefits Claim form and a death certificate to the Board to ensure timely payment of benefits. If an eligible spouse or child was enrolled for supplemental death benefits coverage, a death certificate must be submitted for payment of that benefit.

Benefits coverage

Use the following chart to help you understand the available medical benefits for eligible family members when a Benefits Plan member dies.

*If, at the time of the member’s death, you:*	*And at the time of death, the member:*	What benefits are available?	What is the cost?
are the surviving spouse or eligible dependent of a member, and were covered under the Medical Plan as an active member	was enrolled in the Death and Disability Plan and Medical Plan	From the date of death, your medical coverage will continue for one year, as long as you are eligible. After one year, you may enroll for medical continuation coverage (a) for an additional 24 months for up to a total of 36 months from the date of deathor (b) until age 26 in the case of a dependent child.	Neither you nor the employer will be billed for the first year of coverage. The cost for medical continuation coverage.
are the surviving spouse or eligible dependent of a member, and were covered under the Medical Plan as an active plan member	was not enrolled in Death and Disability Plan but was enrolled in the Medical Plan	You may enroll for medical continuation coverage for 36 months from the date of death or until you are eligible for Medicare (whichever is sooner) or, if a dependent child, until age 26 (at which time you may enroll for medical continuation coverage for an additional 36 months).	The cost for medical continuation coverage at the time the election is made will apply.
are the surviving spouse or eligible dependent of a member, and were covered under the Medical Plan	was disabled, and was enrolled in the Medical Plan	You are eligible for medical coverage for 36 months from the date of death. (Note: Eligible family of a member whose disability benefits began before Jan. 1, 2017, are eligible for provisions in effect as of Dec. 31, 2016.)	The cost for medical continuation coverage at the time the election is made will apply.
are the surviving spouse of a member, and are enrolled in medical continuation coverage	was retired	You may be eligible to continue your coverage through medical continuation until you are eligible for the Humana Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan when you turn 65.	Published rates in effect at the time will apply to medical continuation coverage, if elected.