Frequently Asked Questions - Long Term
Disability
To contact the Benefits Department, call 252-847-4479 or email
benefits@pcmh.com
Q. What is long term disability?A.
An insurance plan that provides financial protection for you by
paying a portion of your income while you are disabled.
Q. Who can participate in LTD?
A.
All full-time employees after six months of service.
Q. If I did not enroll in LTD when I was hired, may I
enroll at a later date?
A
. You may request an
application
from the Benefits Department or download a copy of the
application
to complete and mail to the address on the form. Your application
will be reviewed by the insurance company to substantiate proof of
insurability. The insurance carrier will notify you of approval or
denial
.
Q. How do I know if I am enrolled in LTD?A.
Contact the Benefits Department at 847-4479.
Q.What is the elimination period and monthly benefit if the
claim is approved?A.
Approved claims will not be paid for the first three or four months
(based on your plan). Monthly benefits are paid at 50% of the
claimant's monthly earnings not to exceed $5,000.
Q.How are pre-existing conditions viewed for LTD?A.
If you have received medical treatment, consultation, etc. in the
three months prior to your effective date of coverage and your
disability occurs in the first 12 months after your effective date
of coverage, disability benefits will not be paid.
Q. What is the process for filing an LTD claim?A.
Contact the Employee Benefits Office if your physician feels your
disability will last longer than three months.
Q. If my disability claim is approved, how long will I
receive benefits?
A.
Period of payment is based on the type of disability and your age
at the time of disability.
Q. Will the disability benefit be offset by any other
benefits I may be receiving?A.
Yes. Income from another source reduces your benefit. Social
Security Disability, Worker's Compensation and pension are
three examples.
Q. Will the disability benefit end if I am released to
return working reduced hours for a short period of time?
A.
The benefit will end only when your monthly earnings exceed 80% of
your pre-disability monthly earnings and you no longer meet the
definition of disability. Disability benefits will otherwise be
supplemented during that period.
Q. What happens if I am released to return to work and my
disability occurs again?A.
Under certain conditions, if your disability occurs within six
months of your prior claim, you will not have to complete another
elimination period.
Q. May I cancel my LTD enrollment at any time?A.
Yes. Request a cancellation through the Employee Benefits
Department. A signed statement/form is required.
Q.Will I be able to convert my long-term disability
coverage if I terminate employment or change my status from
full-time to part-time?A.
You may convert your disability coverage within 31 days of
termination. Contact the Benefits Department at 847-4479 for
details. You are not eligible to convert your disability coverage
when your job status changes from full-time to part-time.