The State of Alaska Voluntary Supplemental Benefits (VSB) plan includes life insurance, critical illness, and long & short-term disability. The VSB plan is administered by MetLife and enrollment is managed by Benefitfocus.
For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Contacts
MetLife Customer Service Contacts
- General: (800) 438-6388
- Life Claims: (800) 638-6420
- Disability Claims: (800) 300-4296
- Metlife
MetLife is here to support all your VSB needs. Learn about each benefit by visiting metlife.com/stateofalaska . There you will find in depth plan information and helpful videos on each benefit. If you have questions about your VSB options or claims, please contact MetLife.
Benefitfocus Contact Information
- Phone: (844) 939-0543
- Email:
- Benefitfocus
Benefitfocus offers benefits administration on a single platform, simplifying benefit enrollment for everyone. They also provide a mobile app for accessing your benefit information on the go. For enrollment assistance, please contact Benefitfocus.
Documents
MetLife Insurance Certificates
Premium Sheet
Videos
Eligibility
The following employees are eligible to participate in Voluntary Benefits:
- State employees except members of the Labor, Trades and Crafts (LTC) unit, the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), on-call employees, temporary legislative employees, employees of the National Guard (including Emergency Guard), short term non-permanent employees, student interns, leased employees, and emergency employees hired for natural disasters, including emergency firefighters.
- Employees of a participating political subdivision covered under the terms of the political subdivision’s participation agreement.
Enrollment in any plan is optional—choose only the plans and coverage levels that meet your needs. Premiums are paid through payroll deductions and are subtracted from gross wages before taxes are deducted—an added advantage to the plan. Please note, some restrictions apply for life insurance premiums.
Beginning August 1, 2023, employees have access to the State of Alaska’s discount (10%) with MetLife Pet Insurance. Each policy is individualized, and MetLife Pet Insurance is the place to go with any and all questions related to this benefit.
Please reach out directly to MetLife for all questions related to Pet Insurance. Their friendly pet advocates are here to help you get on the right track!
MetLife Pet Insurance
To get a quote and/or enroll, visit metlife.com/getpetquote or call 1-800-GETMET8. You can also log into your Benefitfocus Marketplace account.
In case you didn’t already know, MetLife is one of the largest providers of pet insurance in the United States with approximately 7,200 group policies and 80,000 individual policies in-force. MetLife’s pet insurance product offers a slate of benefits that can be customized for each individual policy holder. A member can choose from several benefit reimbursement levels, deductible amounts, annual benefit limits, and more. Coverage provisions could include:
- Up to 100% reimbursement for veterinarian costs including medications,
- The choice to visit any licensed US veterinarian,
- 24/7 access to telehealth concierge service,
- Optional preventive care coverage,
- Coverage of pre-existing conditions,
- Veteran’s discount,
- Family plans that cover multiple pets on one policy,
- 100% policy portability if an employee leaves state/poli-sub service
The program is 100% financially supported by member-paid premiums. All policies purchased through the State’s partnership with MetLife will receive a 10% discount on your monthly premiums and are eligible to receive a preexisting condition waiver. Premiums are unique for each animal based on breed, age, location, and selected coverage amounts and will be paid directly to MetLife.
Check out these resources to learn more about MetLife Pet Insurance:
- How Pet Insurance Works
- Coverage and Exclusions
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
- Pet Insurance FAQ's
- How to Enroll Video
- How to Enroll Guide
The MetLife Pet app is available to all MetLife Pet Insurance policyholders and can be downloaded for free directly from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
State of Alaska employees and eligible employees of participating Political Subdivisions are automatically enrolled in Basic Life, Basic Dependent Life, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D).
- Eligibility
Basic Life, Basic Dependent Life, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage is provided free of charge to permanent and long-term nonpermanent full-time and part-time employees of the State of Alaska and eligible employees of participating political subdivisions.
- Basic Life Insurance
The amount of your benefit is determined by your bargaining unit. Current benefits are as follows:
$2,000 Basic Life
- Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA)
- International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MMP)
- Inlandboatman’s Union Representing the Unlicensed Marine Unit (IBU)
- Teachers’ Education Association of Mt. Edgecumbe (TEAME)
$10,000 Basic Life
- Alaska Correctional Officers Association (ACOA)
- Alaska Public Employees Association/Supervisory Unit (APEA)
- Alaska Vocational Technical Center Teachers’ Association (AVTCTA)
- Public Safety Employees Association & Airport Security Officers (PSEA)
- Confidential Employees Association (CEA)
- General Government Bargaining Unit (ASEA)
- Labor, Trades and Crafts Unit (LTC)
- Partially Exempt and Exempt
- Basic Dependent Life Insurance
The Basic Life Insurance plan provides a lump sum payment in the event of the death of an eligible dependent. Coverage is as follows:
Death of... Coverage Spouse $1,000 Child - 14 days old, but less than 6 months old $100 Child - 6 months old, but less than 2 years $200 Child - 2 years old, but less than 3 years old $400 Child - 3 years old, or older $500 - Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
In addition to Basic Life coverage, all employees automatically receive Basic AD&D benefits which are payable for losses that occur within 100 days of an accident and as a result of accidental bodily injury, independent of all other causes, for loss of life, or loss of both hands, both feet, sight of both eyes or any such combination. One-half of the full amount is payable if you lose one hand, one foot, or the sight of one eye.
Loss of... Coverage Life $5,000 Loss of a hand permanently severed at or above the wrist $2,500 Loss of a foot permanently severed at or above the ankle $2,500 Loss of sight in one eye $2,500 Loss of any combination of hand, foot, and sight in one eye $5,000 - Premiums
Premiums are employer paid. No cost to you.
- Coverage Begins
Coverage begins on the 31st consecutive calendar day of employment. Leave without pay taken within the first 30 days of employment may postpone the coverage until you are in pay status for 30 consecutive days.
- Coverage Ends
The last day of the month in which:
- Pay status ends; or
- Employment terminates; or
- Premium is paid
- Continuation/Conversion
Basic Life is convertible through MetLife.
All employees are automatically enrolled in Travel Accident Insurance at no cost to the employee, and are provided coverage while in authorized travel status on official state business.
- Benefit Amount
Travel Accident is a State paid group term accidental death insurance that provides coverage for employees who are on state business, in travel status on authorized State business. It pays $75,000, $100,000 or $200,000 (depending on bargaining unit) to your beneficiary if you die accidentally. Travel Accident has a traditional Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) component based on covered loses. Current benefit levels are as follows:
$75,000
- Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA)
$100,000
- Labor, Trades and Crafts Unit (LTC)
$200,000
- Alaska Correctional Officers Association (ACOA)
- Alaska Public Employees Association/Supervisory Unit (APEA)
- Alaska Vocational Technical Center Teachers’ Association (AVTCTA)
- Public Safety Employees Association & Airport Security Officers (PSEA)
- Confidential Employees Association (CEA)
- General Government Bargaining Unit (ASEA)
- Labor, Trades and Crafts Unit (LTC)
- Partially Exempt and Exempt
- Boards and Commissions
- Premiums
State-funded. No cost to you.
- Coverage Begins and Ends
Starts at date of hire and ends on the last day of employment.
- Continuation/Conversion
None available.
As an employee of the State of Alaska you may choose to enroll in Select Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance. Enrollment may occur at time of hire (within 30 days), or during open enrollment. Select Life and AD&D will cover only you as the employee.
- Benefit Amount
- An amount equal to one times your basic annual earnings, rounded to the nearest $1,000.
- Pays double the benefit amount if death is accidental.
- Pays up to $100,000 for Correctional Officers, Supervisory and Confidential Unit employees and up to $60,000 for all others.
Select Life coverage includes AD&D benefits which are payable for losses that occur within 100 days of an accident and because of accidental bodily injury, independent of all other causes, or for loss of life. Coverage is as follows:
Loss of... % of Maximum Coverage Payable Life 100% Loss of a hand permanently severed at or above the wrist 50% Loss of a foot permanently severed at or above the ankle 50% Loss of sight in one eye 50% Loss of any combination of hand, foot, and sight in one eye 100% - Premiums
- Post-tax
- Based on age and wage when hired.
- Updated with age and wage annually each January 1.
To determine your monthly premium, find your age as of January 1, 2023, the amount of insurance elected, and the corresponding premium on the chart.2023 SELECT LIFE AND AD&D RATES Age Monthly Cost per $1,000 Under 30 $0.04 30-39 $0.05 40-44 $0.08 45-49 $0.12 50-54 $0.18 55-59 $0.27 60-64 $0.39 65-69 $0.57 70-74 $1.25 75 & Over $1.58 Effective: Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023 - Coverage Begins
Your coverage begins on the 31st day of work, assuming you have not taken leave without pay (LWOP). If there are breaks in coverage due to LWOP or if coverage is not elected within first 30 days, other effective dates may apply.
- Continuation/Conversion
If you participated in the State’s Select Life Insurance Plan as an active employee, you may elect to continue this coverage at the time you are appointed to receive a retirement benefit from the Public Employees’, Teachers’, Judicial, or Elected Public Officers’ Retirement Systems. If you are eligible and elect this coverage at retirement it will be called Optional life. There are differences in the Optional life coverage.
For more information, check out the Applying For Retirement page.
Select Life is convertible. If you terminate from state employment, Met Life will contact you regarding coverability.
In addition to Basic Life Insurance funded by the state and optional Select Life Insurance that you can choose to enroll in, there is also additional Supplemental Life Insurance that can provide even more benefits you may want to enroll in. Enrollment is optional, pays in a lump sum, and only covers the employee.
If a you elect Supplemental Life Insurance, and when combined with Basic & Select Life insurance coverage, amounts to coverage exceeding $50,000, the portion of the premiums for the coverage over $50,000 is taxable.
- Eligibility
State employees except members of the Labor, Trades and Crafts (LTC) unit, the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), on-call employees, temporary legislative employees, employees of the National Guard (including Emergency Guard), short term non-permanent employees, student interns, leased employees, and emergency employees hired for natural disasters, including emergency firefighters.
Employees of a participating political subdivision covered under the terms of the political subdivision’s participation agreement.
- Benefit Amount
Supplemental life insurance is available in the following volumes:
- $10,000
- $50,000
- $100,000
- $200,000
- $300,000
- Premiums
To determine your monthly premium, find your age as of January 1, 2022, the amount of insurance elected, and the corresponding premium on the chart. Evidence of Insurability is required for $200,000 and $300,000.2023 SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE RATES Age Monthly Cost per $1,000 Under 30 $0.03 30-39 $0.03 40-44 $0.06 45-49 $0.09 50-54 $0.14 55-59 $0.22 60-64 $0.31 65-69 $0.49 70-74 $0.99 75+ $1.58 Effective: Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023
Additional supplemental Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance can also be added to your health plan. Supplemental AD&D can cover you or yourself and your family, but you must first enroll in a minimum of $10,000 of Supplemental Life Insurance. This plan pays benefits if your death or dismemberment is caused by an accident. It pays in a lump sum, with the benefit dependent on loss and family structure.
- Eligibility
State employees except members of the Labor, Trades and Crafts (LTC) unit, the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), on-call employees, temporary legislative employees, employees of the National Guard (including Emergency Guard), short term non-permanent employees, student interns, leased employees, and emergency employees hired for natural disasters, including emergency firefighters.
Employees of a participating political subdivision covered under the terms of the political subdivision’s participation agreement.
- Benefit Amount
Supplemental life insurance is available in the following volumes:
- If family includes children:
- Employee has a full benefit amount of $100,000
- Spouse has a full benefit amount of $40,000
- If family does not include children:
- Spouse has a full benefit amount of $50,000
- If family includes spouse:
- Children have a full benefit amount of $5,000
- If family doesn’t include spouse:
- Children have a full benefit amount of $10,000
- If family includes children:
- Premiums
Your monthly premium is based on whom you elect to cover: you, or you and your family.2023 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Option Monthly Cost Employee Only $1.50 Employee and Family $2.30 Effective: Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023 - Benefit Payouts
2023 Supplemental AD&D Payouts For the loss of... The plan will pay... Life Full Benefit Amount Both eyes, feet, or hands, or any combination thereof Full Benefit Amount One eye, one foot, or one hand 1/2 of full benefit amount Thumb and index finger of same hand 1/4 of full benefit amount Effective: Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023
The State of Alaska is pleased to offer you an opportunity to enroll in the new Critical Illness Supplemental Insurance plan that can pay a lump sum upon certain diagnoses. Diagnoses include cancer, heart attack, major organ transplant, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s disease, and other illnesses.
MetLife Critical Illness Insurance can complement existing medical coverage and help fill financial gaps caused by out-of-pocket expenses such as mortgage payments, college tuition, hiring household help, or treatment not covered by your medical plan.
Critical Illness Insurance provides several features that could be valuable to you, including:
- No coordination with other insurance benefits;
- A lump-sum benefit that you can use as you feel necessary.
- Benefits are paid regardless of what is covered by medical insurance.
You can elect one of 2 levels of coverage: $15,000 or $30,000.
Covered Conditions:
| 2023 Critical Illness Plan Design | ||
|---|---|---|
| Benefit for Covered Conditions | Initial Benefit | Recurrence Benefit |
| Alzheimer’s Disease | 100% of Benefit Amount | NONE |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft | 100% of Benefit Amount | 50% of Benefit Amount |
| Full Benefit Cancer | 100% of Benefit Amount | 50% of Benefit Amount |
| Partial Benefit Cancer | 25% of Benefit Amount | 12.5% of Benefit Amount |
| Heart Attack | 100% of Benefit Amount | 50% of Benefit Amount |
| Kidney Failure | 100% of Benefit Amount | NONE |
| Major Organ Transplant | 100% of Benefit Amount | NONE |
| Stroke | 100% of Benefit Amount | 50% of Benefit Amount |
| Effective: Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023 | ||
- Receive 25% of the Initial Benefit Amount for 22 Conditions
Addison's disease (adrenal hypofunction); amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease); cerebrospinal meningitis (bacterial); cerebral palsy; cystic fibrosis; diphtheria; encephalitis; Huntington’s disease (Huntington’s chorea); Legionnaire’s disease; malaria; multiple sclerosis (definitive diagnosis); muscular dystrophy; myasthenia gravis; necrotizing fasciitis; osteomyelitis; poliomyelitis; rabies; sickle cell anemia (excluding sickle cell trait); systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); systemic sclerosis (scleroderma); tetanus; and tuberculosis.
- Benefit Suspension Period
After a covered condition occurs there is a 365 days day Benefit Suspension Period during which most plans do not pay Recurrence benefits. The Benefit Suspension Period does not apply to first occurrences of distinct covered conditions.
- Cancer Recurrence
We will not pay Recurrence benefits for Full Benefit Cancer or Partial Benefit Cancer benefits unless the insured has not been treated nor had symptoms for at least 180 days.
- Health Screening Benefit
If you take one of the screening/prevention measures listed below while such covered person is insured under the certificate MetLife will pay a health screening benefit upon submission of proof that such measure was taken. When MetLife receives such proof, MetLife will review it, and if MetLife approves the claim, MetLife will pay a health screening benefit of $50.
The Covered Tests are: physical exam, biopsies for cancer, blood test to determine total cholesterol, blood test to determine triglycerides, bone marrow testing, breast MRI, breast ultrasound, breast sonogram, cancer antigen 15-3 blood test for breast cancer (CA 15-3), cancer antigen 125 blood test for ovarian cancer (CA 125), carcinoembryonic antigen blood test for colon cancer (CEA), carotid Doppler, chest x-rays, clinical testicular exam, colonoscopy, digital rectal exam (DRE), Doppler screening for cancer, Doppler screening for peripheral vascular disease, Echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (EKG), endoscopy, fasting blood glucose test, fasting plasma glucose test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, hemoccult stool specimen, hemoglobin A1C, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, lipid panel, mammogram, oral cancer screening, pap smears or thin prep pap test, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, serum cholesterol test to determine LDL and HDL levels, serum protein electrophoresis, skin cancer biopsy, skin cancer screening, skin exam, stress test on bicycle or treadmill, successful completion of smoking cessation program, tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), thermography, two hour post-load plasma glucose test, ultrasounds for cancer detection, ultrasound screening of the abdominal aorta for abdominal aortic aneurysms, and virtual colonoscopy.
MetLife will only pay one health screening benefit per covered person per calendar year.
| 2023 Supplemental Critical Illness | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | Tiers | Rate Basis (multiply by $15,000 or $30,000) | |||
| Employee Only | Employee + Spouse | Employee + Children | Employee + Spouse & Children | ||
| Under 25 | $0.19 | $0.33 | $0.36 | $0.50 | Per $1,000/mth |
| 25-29 | $0.21 | $0.35 | $0.37 | $0.52 | Per $1,000/mth |
| 30-34 | $0.29 | $0.48 | $0.45 | $0.64 | Per $1,000/mth |
| 35-39 | $0.41 | $0.67 | $0.58 | $0.84 | Per $1,000/mth |
| 40-44 | $0.63 | $1.00 | $0.79 | $1.17 | Per $1,000/mth |
| 45-49 | $0.95 | $1.50 | $1.12 | $1.66 | Per $1,000/mth |
| 50-54 | $1.39 | $2.17 | $1.55 | $2.33 | Per $1,000/mth |
| 55-59 | $1.95 | $3.05 | $2.12 | $3.21 | Per $1,000/mth |
| 60-64 | $2.82 | $4.40 | $2.99 | $4.57 | Per $1,000/mth |
| 65-69 | $4.27 | $6.65 | $4.44 | $6.81 | Per $1,000/mth |
| 70+ | $6.49 | $10.04 | $6.66 | $10.21 | Per $1,000/mth |
| Effective: Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||
Example with $30,000 of coverage: A 24-year-old who elects Employee and Spouse ($0.33) at $30,000 has a premium of $9.90 monthly.
Important Note:Your Critical Illness certificate provides limited benefits – please read your certificate carefully. Critical Illness insurance is intended to supplement, and is not a substitute for, comprehensive medical coverage. At the time of enrollment, you will be provided with additional enrollment documentation and will be asked to acknowledge that you have received and read the applicable resources.
The Short-Term Disability plan and the Long-Term Disability plan are designed to replace a portion of your income if you become disabled and are unable to work due to illness or injury. You may enroll for the short-term plan separately or one of the long-term plans or a combination of the short-term plan with one long-term plan.
Disability insurance protects your most valuable financial asset—your ability to work and earn an income. It ensures that if you are not able to work due to an injury or illness, you will still have an income source. It protects you, your family and your future from suffering financial disaster if an unexpected illness or injury occurs.
- Today’s 20-year-old has a 3 in 10 chance of becoming disabled before retirement age.
- Nearly 1 in 7 working age people will be disabled for 5 years or more prior to age 65—that number increases to nearly 1 in 5 for ages 35 to 65.
- Over 36 million Americans are classified as disabled and 50% of them are in their working years.
Disability insurance pays benefits if you are totally disabled. During years one and two of Long-Term Disability you must be unable to perform the duties of your current job. After 2 years you must be unable to perform any job.
Important Note: Supplemental Disability Insurance is important for members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) Defined Contribution Plan (DCP) tiers, PERS Tier IV and TRS Tier III. While the defined benefit tiers have disability provisions for non-occupational disabilities, PERS Tier IV and TRS Tier III have no provisions.
By replacing a portion of your income while you’re disabled, you’re protected against the losses that can occur when your paycheck stops. It is comprehensive—covering you both on and off the job.
Pre-Existing Conditions:
Pre-existing condition means a sickness or injury for which, in the 3 months before a covered person becomes insured under this certificate, or before any benefit increase with respect to such covered person:
- medical advice, treatment or care was sought by such covered person, or, recommended by, prescribed by or received from a physician or other practitioner of the healing arts; or
- symptoms, or any medical or physical conditions existed that would cause an ordinarily prudent person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment.
Illnesses that occur in the first 12 months of coverage due to the preexisting condition are excluded.
Effective January 1, 2023, there are no pre-existing condition limitations in the Short-Term Disability plan.
Limitations and Exclusions
The disability plans don’t pay benefits for a disability that results from:
- War, declared or undeclared, or any act of war
- Active participation in a riot
- Intentionally self-inflicted injuries
- Loss of professional license, occupational licenses, or certification
- Commission of a crime for which you have been convicted under state or federal law
- Any period of disability during which you are incarcerated
No more than 24 months of benefits will be paid if a total disability is caused by one of the following:
- Mental or nervous conditions other than Schizophrenia, Bipolar I Disorder or Neurocognitive Disorders.
- Conditions caused by or contributed to by chemical dependency, or hallucinogenic substances.
- Neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and soft tissue disorders.
- Chronic fatigue or Fibromyalgia.
- Self-reported conditions.
Other Income Reductions
The disability plans pay benefits after deducting other income benefits as shown below:
- Federal Social Security (Old Age & Disability) – Primary
- Federal Social Security (Old Age & Family) – Family
- Railroad Retirement Act
- Any state or public retirement or disability plan: State Teacher Retirement System, Public Employee Retirement System, Federal Employee Retirement System
- Pension or disability plan from a political subdivision
- Disability or retirement income received under the Employer’s Retirement System (Employer Contributions only)
- Pension benefits
- Any income received for disability under a group insurance policy with employer contributions for lost time from work due to disability or installment payments for permanent total disability
- No-fault auto loss of income
- Government compulsory benefit plans or programs for lost time (state mandated programs)
- Self-funded plan, or other arrangement, if employer contributes or payroll deducts
- Any sick pay, vacation pay, or other salary continuation
- Workers’ Compensation or a similar law which provides for periodic benefits
- Laws providing for maritime maintenance and cure
- Occupational disease laws
- Unemployment insurance law or program
- Income received while working as part of a rehabilitation incentive
- Third party recoveries
If you receive “other income” in a single lump sum, that payment will be subtracted from your disability benefit over 60 months. The disability carrier will have the right to make retroactive adjustments for any lump sum payments received from a retroactive award.
Other income that is not deducted from the disability benefit includes:
- SBS Annuity payments
- Deferred Compensation
- Reasonable attorney fees for awards and/or settlements
- Mortgage disability insurance
- Non-voluntary early retirement
- Veteran’s benefits
- Accelerated death benefit payments
- Amounts rolled over to a tax-qualified plan and not taken while benefits are being paid
When you consider whether to purchase disability insurance, you must first consider the benefit you would receive. If you have other income, you should review and ask yourself, could you live on your retirement, savings, or other assets alone?
Payments are Taxable
Since these disability plans are part of the Voluntary Benefits program, you have the advantage of paying for coverage with earnings deducted from your salary before federal income taxes are withheld. That reduces the cost of your coverage. Due to these tax advantages, however, disability benefit payments you receive from the plans are subject to federal income tax.
Filing a Claim
You must apply for disability benefits under these plans within one year after the date you become totally disabled.
The carrier, at its own expense, has the right to examine you if you have filed a claim. Examinations may be made as often as they are reasonably required during the period for which you claim benefits.
The carrier also has the right to recover any overpayment of disability benefits either directly from you or by deduction from your future monthly benefit payments.
Short-term disability (STD) protects you in the event of a brief absence from work. It can also fill in the waiting (elimination) period before long-term disability benefits begin.
Effective January 1, 2024, STD benefits can begin after you’ve been disabled and off work for seven days, and you are not in pay status from accrued or donated leave.
- Benefit Amount
Your weekly benefit will 60% of the first $962 of your pre-disability earnings, subject to income which will reduce your disability. The maximum weekly benefit is $577, and minimum is $20.
- Premiums
Covers 60% of your monthly gross pay, up to a maximum of $577/week. Every employee who elects this benefit pays the same premium.2023 Short-Term Disability Rates Who is Covered Monthly Cost Employee $3.06 Effective: Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023 - Coverage Begins
If you become disabled while enrolled in the Short-Term Disability plan, benefits will begin the seventh day of a disability absence. A “disability absence” is any absence from work caused by an injury or a disease. To receive benefits, you must first submit medical certification of your disability from your physician.
- Duration of Payments
Benefits may be paid for a period of disability of up to 180 days which begin on the date you are first disabled or until Long-Term Disability benefits commence, regardless of whether full benefits have been realized.
- Recurring Periods
One “period of disability” may include more than one disability absence. Disability absences due to the same or related causes and separated by less than two consecutive weeks of full-time work will be considered to be the same period of disability. A new disability absence due to a cause different from that of any prior disability must be separated from the prior disability by at least one day of full-time active work for you to become eligible for a new maximum period of payment.
Pregnancy Coverage
For more information, read our Voluntary Supplemental Benefits Disability Insurance brochure and MetLife's Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy .
Long-term disability (LTD) protects you in the event of an extended disability. Benefits begin after you’ve been disabled and off work for at least 180 days.
- Benefit Amount
Depending upon which LTD plan you are enrolled in at the time of your disability, your monthly benefit will equal either 50% or 70% of your monthly base pay, reduced by any “other income.” “Monthly base pay” is your pay of record on October 1 for the benefit year beginning on the first day of the following January. It excludes bonuses, overtime, and other compensation. Adjustments may be made for part-time, seasonal or newly-hired employees.
50% Plan: Your monthly benefit will be 50% of the first $16,000 of your pre-disability earnings, subject to income which will reduce your disability benefit. The maximum monthly benefit payable is $8,000, and the minimum monthly benefit is $100 per month. Appropriate adjustments will be made for partial months.
70% Plan: Your monthly benefit will be 70% of the first $11,429 of your pre-disability earnings, subject to income which will reduce your disability benefit. The maximum monthly benefit is $8,000, and minimum monthly benefit is $100.
- Premiums
Your premium is based on your age and monthly base wage. Your wage is updated as of October 1 for the benefit year that begins January 1. If you are disabled, benefits are calculated at 50% or 70% of your base wage, depending on the plan you select. The maximum monthly benefit is $8,000. Some other types of income (see below) are deducted from this amount before your benefits are paid. If other income reduces your benefit to less than $100, the plan will pay the minimum $100 monthly benefit.
To determine your monthly premium, divide your monthly wage by 100 and multiply the result by the monthly premium for your age group. Example: If your gross pay is $2,000 monthly and you are 54, the cost for Plan B is $4.60 per month (2,000 ÷ 100 = 20 x $0.23 = $4.60). Premiums are determined by your pay of record on October 1 for the benefit year beginning on the first day of the following January.2025 Long-Term Disability Rates Age Premium per $100 of Wage Plan B (50%) Plan C (70%) under 25 $0.18 $0.41 25-29 $0.19 $0.41 30-34 $0.19 $0.42 35-39 $0.20 $0.43 40-44 $0.20 $0.46 45-49 $0.23 $0.49 50-54 $0.23 $0.54 55-59 $0.27 $0.59 60-64 $0.28 $0.59 65-69 $0.28 $0.61 70 & over $0.35 $0.74 Effective: Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025 - Coverage Begins
Benefits will begin after you have completed a six-month waiting period of total disability. This waiting period begins on the day you are both totally disabled and under the care of a physician. You will be considered disabled no earlier than 31 days before the date you are first seen and treated by a qualified physician for the cause of your disability.
- Duration of Payments
Initially to receive benefits from this plan, you must be disabled from performing the duties of your current job. After 2 years you must demonstrate an inability to perform any job. You must be under the care of a licensed physician, and must be certified as disabled.
Provided you remain permanently disabled from performing any job, benefits will end the later of your normal retirement age, or the period shown below:
2023 Long-Term Disability Benefit Period Age at Disability Duration of Benefit Payments Under 60 To age 65 61 48 months 62 42 months 63 36 months 64 30 months 65 24 months 66 24 months 67 18 months 68 18 months 69 18 months 70 & over 12 months Effective: Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023 - Recurring Periods
Once a period of total disability has ended, any new period of disability will be treated separately. Two or more separate periods of total disability that occur while you are covered under this plan and resulting from the same or related causes will be considered as one period if they are separated by less than three months. Applicable to both Short-Term and Long Term-Disability.
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AlaskaCare Retiree Town Hall-December
Please join us for a Town Hall event today, December 19, 2024, 10 a.m. Alaska Time.
Read MoreNotice: Impact of System Outage on Retirement System Distribution Requests
The Division of Retirement and Benefits experienced a system outage in November, causing delays in approving Retirement System distribution requests.
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© State of Alaska || || drb.alaska.gov
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