NEA MB: NEA Income Protection Plan

NEA Income Protection® Plan American Fidelity Assurance

Now Available in 49 States!

Plan Features
Glossary of Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Rates - New!

Plan Features

Available to NEA members who are actively employed in the field of education 15+ hr./wk.

Offered to members since 1976; enhanced in 2003.

Income protection benefits for up to two years if the short-term plan option is selected and up to age 67 if the additional long-term protection is purchased.

Choice of the monthly amount of income to be protected in $100 increments, up to 2/3 of monthly salary or $6,000, whichever is less.

Members offered choice of four waiting period options. Benefits can begin on the 8th, 15th, 31st or 91st day of accident or illness disability (in most states).

Minimum monthly benefit of $100 or 25% of benefit purchased.

Pays the value of Unified Reserve Dues when you have been disabled at least 6 months.

Pays $100 annually toward TRS-required physicals after 12 months of total disability.

Benefits for pregnancy-related disability.

Premium waived for participants receiving plan disability benefits for more than six months.

Premium waived during strikes lasting more than 60 days.

Coverage while at home or in the hospital.

No house confinement requirements.

During the first 2 years, benefits are reduced by other income you may be entitled to only after total income exceeds 2/3 of pre-disability salary. If the long-term protection is purchased, the monthly benefit is directly reduced by income you are entitled to receive during the long-term plan's benefit period.

For more information, brochures or applications, write:

NEA Member Benefits
Member Services Center
900 Clopper Road, Suite 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20878-1356

Call toll free: 1-800-637-4636

Or for current account information, write:

NEA Income Protection
Insurance
Mr. Don Linsenmeyer
American Fidelity Assurance Company
Post Office Box 25523
Oklahoma City, OK 73125

Call: 1-888-461-1612
Claims Questions:
1-800-662-1113

Generic Glossary of Terms
These definitions are generic definitions for disability insurance and do not necessarily reflect the benefit provisions of the NEA Income Protection Plan described above.

Contributions
Payments to a fund used to finance specified benefits for a plan participant

Long-Term Disability Income Insurance
Insurance designed to protect an employee's income lost due to a disability. Benefits periods can range from 2 years up to retirement.

Nondisabling Injury
An injury that may require medical care but does not result in loss of working time or income.

Rehabilitation Benefits
A provision in some Income Protection policies that provides for continuation of benefits or other financial assistance while a disabled insured is retraining or attempting to resume productive employment.

Short-Term Disability Income Insurance
Insurance designed to protect an employee's income lost due to a disability. Benefit periods usually range from 30 days up to two years.

Elimination Period
A prescribed amount of time following policy issue during which the insured is disabled and no disability benefits are payable. Also sometimes known as probationary period or waiting period.

Waiver of Premium
A provision whereby the insured member is exempt from paying premiums while totally disabled. The waiver usually begins after satisfaction of the elimination period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Long-Term Disability Income Insurance conflict with my hospitalization policy?
No, the purpose of your medical insurance is to pay for medical bills...but the cost of living still has to be absorbed by you at a time when you are disabled and unable to work. This is the reason behind your Association's plan to help insure the life-style to which your family has grown accustomed.

How are benefits paid?
Benefits are paid directly to you, whether you are at home or in the hospital. You are free to decide how to use the money to best meet your needs.

Isn't my sick leave enough?
It may not be enough. Even if you have accumulated several months of sick leave, it still may not be enough. Plus, anytime you are disabled, you incur extra expenses.

What about Workers' Compensation Benefits?
Workers' Compensation provides benefits for losses arising out of your employment only. Benefits are limited and may be difficult to qualify for.

What about disability benefits from Social Security?
If you are eligible, there is a five month waiting period. Qualifying for benefits and the appeal process can be difficult and lengthy.

How much disability income insurance is enough?
The answer depends on individual needs. Compare your take-home pay with what a disability income plan and any other sources of income would pay. Then decide how much income you need to meet your financial obligations.

How do I pay my premiums?
Your premiums can be billed directly to you on a quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis, or you can pay monthly by bank draft from your bank account.

Can my coverage be canceled?
No. Not as long as you remain eligible for coverage according to the policy, your premium is paid, and the Association’s master policy remains in force.

For consumer information, you may wish to peruse our Disability Income Insurance consumer guide . For a worksheet that will help you evaluate your Income Protection insurance needs, click here.

If you wish to order more information please click here.

(Not currently available in Colorado, North Carolina)