IPA Negotiates LTD Rate Decrease;
Max Benefit Increased
Following a period of negotiations with the IPA-sponsored Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance carrier, Sun Life Financial, the Executive Board is pleased to announce two significant LTD improvements that became effective 1/1/2017:
The revised LTD rate will be lowered from $2.34 down to $2.15 per $100 of monthly covered payroll, reflecting a premium rate decrease of 8%.
The revised LTD maximum monthly benefit will be increased by $1,000 from $12,500 to $13,500 (non-taxable.)
“For Captains previously capped at $12,500, this change will mean an increase in the monthly maximum coverage to $13,500 at no additional cost. First Officers, whose LTD coverage increased in September with the new pay rates, will experience a premium decrease,” said IPA Secretary Tom Kalfas.
On a per-paycheck basis, Captains were paying $225.00 for the $12,500 per month maximum non-taxable benefit. Now, Captains with $13,500 of coverage will pay $223.27 per paycheck.
On a per-paycheck basis, a 15 year F/O was paying $186.64 for $10,387 per month non-taxable benefit (based on 60% of the new contract rate of pay). Now, that 15 year F/O will pay $171.48 for the same coverage.
All other current LTD coverages will remain unchanged.
In December of 2015, following an extensive, industry-wide competitive bidding process, the Association decided to extend the current Sun Life Insurance Co. Long Term Disability plan for another 2 years through 12/31/2017. The new rates announced are guaranteed through the end of that period.
“We’ve had a good relationship with SunLife since 2012 and are pleased to continue working together to provide IPA members with the financial security necessary to protect themselves and their families when a medical emergency occurs,” Kalfas said. “Overall, the IPA LTD Plan continues to offer excellent value for the membership,” he added.
IPA Sun Life LONG TERM DISABILITY PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
BENEFIT PERCENTAGE: 60%
MONTHLY MAXIUMUM BENEFIT: $13,500, not subject to current federal or state taxes as premiums are paid on an after-tax basis
WAITING PERIOD PRIOR TO RECEIVING BENEFITS: 24 months (during this period, Mutual Aid Plan and UPS Loss of License benefits are available)
BENEFIT DURATION: To age 60 if the insured is medically unable to hold his medical certificate. In addition, benefits will be payable to age 65 (but not less than one year) with an offset for A plan benefits which will be applied whether the pilot elects to retire or to remain on the seniority list while on medical leave
BENEFIT INTEGRATION APPROACH: Offsets for other earned income, full family Social Security and UPS/IPA Defined Benefit Pension Plan. NO offset for military pensions, military disability, NG/Reserve income, UPS/IPA 401k and Defined Contribution Pension plans, Individual or Association disability plans, personal investment income, IRAs, TSAs, and some limited personal business income etc.
DEFINITION OF DISABILITY: Injury or sickness preventing insured from performing duties of own occupation
PARTIAL DISABILITY: Performing some, but not all of duties of own or any occupation and earning less than 80% of pre-disability guarantee
MENTAL/NERVOUS CONDITIONS: Full coverage in-patient, 2 years out-patient
SELF-REPORTED CONDITIONS: 2 year benefit period
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS: 3 months/6 months/12 months
OTHER PROVISIONS: Ability to break waiting period by up to 120 days of return to work. No cost of living adjustment. Guarantee for benefit calculation will be set two years (allowing for increases due to longevity raises)
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS INCLUDE: Waiver of premium after 6 months of disability. 3 month survivor benefit. Disability case management. Rehabilitation program. Social Security assistance.