Life Insurance and Disability Benefits
Basic Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage Provided by the University
The University provides basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage to all full-time, regular employees at no cost to the employee. The basic life coverage level is 1.5 times the covered employee's annual base salary with a maximum benefit of $400,000. This coverage reduces by 50% at age 70.
Also, for eligible, active employees, a death benefit of the payment of all unused, accrued sick leave is paid to the employee's beneficiary by the University.
Long term disability (LTD) coverage provides benefits after a 90-day period of disability. The monthly benefit is 60% of the covered employee’s monthly base salary not to exceed $10,000 per month. Coverage generally continues until age 65-70, depending on the age of the employee when LTD benefits begin. This benefit is offset by social security disability benefits and Teachers’ Retirement System benefits, if applicable. The cost of this benefit is paid in full by the University for eligible employees. LTD FAQs.
Initial enrollment for these coverages is conducted during new-hire orientation. To file a claim for life or long-term disability insurance benefits, the beneficiary or employee should contact the Office of Human Resources at 256.765.4650.
Once an individual has been approved for long-term disability benefits, Symetra provides a "Health Champion" service to assist the covered individual with navigating the process and benefits. An additional resource for employees and their beneficiaries is Symetra's "Beneficiary Companion" service. This service offers guidance to assist with paperwork, common notifications, and other time-consuming details associated with the loss of a loved one.
Voluntary, Supplemental Life Coverage (Employee Paid)
UNA offers voluntary life insurance options through Symetra for employees wishing to purchase supplemental coverage in addition to the Life Insurance provided by the University. You may elect or make changes to your supplemental life insurance coverage during the new hire process, during open enrollment or if an employee experiences a qualifying life event (QLE). You have 30 days from a QLE to make a change.
Please review the Symetra Supplemental Life Insurance Brochure for additional information. Below is a summary of the amounts that can be elected as a new hire.
Rates will increase in five-year age bands.
| Participants | Maximum Guaranteed Coverage (no EOI)* | Maximum Coverage (with EOI) |
| Eligible Employees | $200,000 | $500,000 |
| Eligible Spouse** | $100,000 | Lesser of $250,000 or 100% of supplemental employee coverage |
| Eligible Dependent Child(ren)** | $10,000 | -- |
*The guaranteed issue amounts are for employees who elect the coverage within 90 days of their hire date.
**Employee must elect minimum level of coverage to cover spouse and/or dependents.
During open enrollment and QLE periods, employees can make changes to their coverage. During this period, the evidence of insurability (EOI) requirement is waived for benefit increases listed below. An EOI will be required for increases outside of the limits listed below.
For newly enrolled and currently enrolled:
Employees: up to 5 increments of $10,000
Spouses: up to 5 increments of $1,000
Life Insurance and Long-Term Care (Trustmark)
The University offers Life Insurance and Long-Term Care protection in one policy through Trustmark. This coverage provides a life insurance benefit for your beneficiaries while also giving you funds that can be used for qualifying long-term care expenses.
Long-term care can be expensive, and traditional health insurance and Medicare generally do not cover all long-term care costs. This coverage provides an opportunity to plan ahead for those potential expenses while maintaining life insurance protection.
How Does It Work?
If you need qualifying long-term care, the long-term care benefit is paid directly to you and can be used toward eligible care, including:
- Assisted living or long-term care facilities
- Care received in your home
- Adult day care
The long-term care benefit pays 4% of the face value amount per month for up to 25 months, providing funds to help pay for qualifying long-term care services.
If you use your long-term care benefits, the policy continues to provide a death benefit, subject to the terms of the policy. There is a one-time reduction in the death benefit at age 70 or the 15th policy year, whichever occurs later.
Coverage for Spouse
Eligible employees may also apply for coverage for their spouse. A spouse may apply for up to the same life insurance face amount selected by the employee, subject to the policy's eligibility and underwriting requirements.
Additional Features
Rate Protection
Your premium rate is based on your age when you apply and does not increase solely because you get older. The rate remains the same for life, including after retirement or separation from UNA, subject to the terms of the policy.
Cariloop Caregiver Support
Personalized caregiving guidance and resources are included with the coverage, with 24/7 digital access to support and assistance. Click here to learn more about the Cariloop Caregiver Support.
Rates and Enrollment
Premiums are based on your age when you apply. Your rate will not increase solely because of your age. Enrollment is voluntary and 100% employee-paid through payroll deductions. Eligible employees may enroll during the University's annual Open Enrollment period. For additional information about the Life Insurance and Long-Term Care benefit and its features, please review the brochure.
Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, eligibility requirements, and provisions of the Trustmark policy.
Claims & Questions
Website:
Policy questions: 800-918-8877
Claims: 877-201-9373 or file online at
Life Insurance Provided by the Teachers' Retirement Systems of Alabama (TRS)
As a member of the Teachers' Retirement System of Alabama, eligible employees also have death benefits available through TRS. For details of these benefits, refer to page 16 of the .