VI-55
STD provides a benefit designed to partly replace income lost during periods of
disability. These benefits are payable while the disability continues, or until the
maximum benefit period ends. The benefit is equal to 66 2/3% of base earnings.
STD does not take effect until after the seventh calendar day you are absent from
work, but sick or vacation leave may be used during this period.
In order to receive benefits from this plan, you must file a claim for benefits. A
qualified Medical Practitioner must certify that you are disabled and unable to
work. Benefit payments cannot begin until the claim has been properly filed with
and accepted by the carrier.
If an employee is permitted to return to work by the doctor on a part-time basis
(i.e. less than eight (8) hours per day), the employee may be eligible to receive
disability for the hours that they are prohibited by the doctor from working.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY (LTD)
HHHunt makes available a LTD benefit to all regular full time employees after 60
days of continuous service. LTD provides income protection, which is designed to
provide 60% of income for employees who have been continually disabled for a
designated period of time. The employee is responsible for 100% of the cost of
this benefit.
BENEFIT CESSATION
All coverage under the CompanyÊs benefit programs will automatically cease at
the end of the month in which an employee leaves the Company or moves to an
ineligible employee status. Please refer to plan booklets or to the HHHunt
Benefits Coordinator for information on conversion privileges.
Applicable coverage remains in effect for employees that move from full-time to
part-time status, unless paperwork is submitted within 30 days electing to drop or
waive coverage. If no election is made to drop coverage, premiums will be
adjusted to reflect the rates based on part-time status.
INSURANCE CONTINUATION
The federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act – (COBRA),
requires employers sponsoring group health plans to offer employees and their
families the opportunity for a temporary extension of medical, dental and flexible
spending account (called continuation of coverage) in instances where coverage
under the plan would otherwise end. Life insurance may be converted to a
personal policy.
Employees and their dependents, covered by a group plan, have a right to choose
this continuation of coverage if their group coverage would be lost because of
certain qualifying events. Qualifying events include:
•
Termination of employment (for reason other than gross misconduct)
or loss of eligibility due to reduced hours.