Voluntary Disability: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know which coverage(s) I am currently enrolled for?
If you would like to confirm which coverage you are already enrolled for, you
may call MGIS, the plan administrator, at 1-800-969-6447 x 175. You may also
email MGIS at EMS@mgis.com.
2. How do I enroll for coverage?
You can find an enrollment form here. If you are enrolling more than 60 days after your initial eligibility date, then you will need to submit the Personal Health Application with your enrollment form.
3. Can I enroll for coverage now if I am currently out of work due to a disabling condition?
You may enroll; however, any coverage you elect and are approved for will not become effective until you are actively at work for one full day.
4. Does the STD plan cover job-related disabilities?
No. The voluntary STD plan only pays benefits for disabilities that are non-occupational (off-the-job). Job-related disabilities are covered by
Workers' Compensation.
5. Are benefit payments subject to federal income tax?
No. Benefit payments for which you have paid the premium with post-tax dollars are not subject to federal income tax.
6. Does the STD or LTD plan cover disabilities or conditions that occur before the coverage goes into effect (pre-existing conditions)?
A pre-existing condition is one for which you were diagnosed or received care during the 365 day period preceding the date your plan goes into effect (look-back period) will not be covered until you have received no further treatment for that particular condition for 365 consecutive days from the date coverage begins (treatment-free period); or you have been continuously insured under the plan for 365 days (insured period).
Under the STD plan, we will pay 2 weeks of benefits even if your condition is determined to be a pre-existing condition. Under the LTD plan, we will not pay benefits for a pre-existing condition that causes you to become disabled within the first 12 months of your being insured under the LTD plan. Once your disability coverage begins, there is no limitation on submitting a claim for a different, unrelated disability.
7. Are there any other exclusions?
Yes. Benefits are not payable for disabilities resulting from commission or attempt to commit a felony, or to which a contributing cause was your being engaged in an illegal occupation; war or act of war (declared or not); or military service for any country engaged in war or other armed conflict; or by an intentionally self-inflicted injury.
8. Can I collect STD or LTD benefits for days I elect to use sick time or paid time off (PTO)?
No. Although the plan is flexible and gives you the option of using any accrued sick time or PTO before benefits are paid, STD benefits are
not payable for any days you elect to use sick time or PTO.
9. Is pregnancy covered?
Yes. Maternity claims are approved for 6 weeks from the date of delivery, regardless of whether the delivery is a C-section or normal delivery. Since the STD plan has a 4 week elimination period, STD benefits will be paid for the remaining 2 weeks. An STD claim may be approved for longer than 6 weeks if your physician provides medical documentation that substantiates your inability to work.
10. What happens when my STD benefits expire?
Upon the expiration of your STD benefits, you may be eligible for benefits under the voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD) plan if you are enrolled for that coverage, subject to all terms and conditions of the LTD plan.
11. Can I continue my coverage if I leave my job?
Short-Term disability insurance is not portable. When employment is terminated, the STD coverage ceases. LTD insurance is portable, given certain requirements are met. In addition, the LTD portable policy has different policy provisions and costs associated with it.
12. What other income benefits may reduce the amount of my STD or LTD Benefit?
Your STD and LTD benefit amount will be reduced by other income benefits you receive or are eligible to receive from: sick leave, vacation pay, PTO, parental leave and the Kiel Memorial Vacation/PTO Donation Program.
In addition to the specific work absence benefits provided by Duke, your STD benefit amount will also be reduced by Social Security Disability Income or similar plans (such as the Civil Service Retirement System, Railroad Retirement Act, the Jones Act, Canada Pension Plan or the Quebec Pension Plan); the Veteran's Administration or other foreign or domestic governmental agency for the same disability; Workers' Compensation or occupational disease laws, or similar laws; group, association, union or other organizational coverage; employer-related individual policies; governmental law or program that provides disability or unemployment benefits as a result of your job with your employer, disability coverage under your employer's retirement plan; and damages or settlements for income loss.
Your Long-Term Disability benefit amount will be reduced by other income benefits you (or possibly your family) receive or are eligible to receive. Examples of such "other income benefits" are income from Social Security Disability Insurance, the Civil Service Retirement System, Railroad Retirement Act, the Jones Act, Canada Pension Plan, the Veteran's Administration, Workers' Compensation or occupational disease laws; group, association, union or other organizational coverage; employer-related individual policies; any disability or unemployment benefits; and damages or settlements for income loss.
For Long-Term Disability Benefits Amounts, retirement benefits are another example of "other income benefits" if the retirement plan is wholly or partially funded by employer contributions, unless you were receiving them prior to becoming disabled, or you immediately transfer the payment to other plan qualified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for the funding of a future retirement.
Your Long-Term Disability benefit payments will not be reduced by retirement benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance or similar plans, or by any portion of retirement benefits that you (or your family depending on your plan) receive that are funded by your after-tax contributions if you were receiving them prior to becoming disabled.
Your Long-Term Disability benefit payments will not be reduced by your savings or investments, IRAs or Keoghs, profit-sharing, personal disability policies or Social Security Increases.
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