Part I — Earlham Benefits
Section 3
Long-Term Disability
Long-term disability insurance is available to all
full-time Earlham employees upon the beginning date of full-time
employment at the employee's expense. After completing one continuous
year of full-time service, all full-time Earlham employees are
automatically enrolled in the long-term disability insurance plan
at Earlham’s expense.
To establish eligibility for long-term disability
insurance benefits, the employee must submit a completed claim
form signed by his/her
physician to the Earlham
Business Office. Only after a completed claim form is submitted and disability
status is accepted by the insurance company can benefits begin. Eligibility for
disabled status is at the sole determination of the insurance company.
Under this program, an employee who is unable to
work because of serious illness (including pregnancy-related conditions)
or injury
continues to receive a portion
of his/her salary. However, there is a 180-calendar-day waiting period before
the insurance benefits begin following the illness or injury. During the first
year of full-time employment, the employee, though he/she may be enrolled in
the long-term disability insurance plan at his/her own expense, does not receive
any compensation (unless accumulated sick time or vacation time is available)
during the 180-day waiting period. After the first year, Earlham not only takes
over the cost of insurance premiums but also provides some compensation during
the 180-day waiting period (see the appropriate Intermediate-Term Disability
plan in section 14).
Once the long-term disability insurance goes into
effect, an employee receives compensation equivalent to 60% of
his/her regular gross
wages reduced by other
benefits such as Workers' Compensation or Social Security for which the employee
is eligible. (e.g., if 60% of the employee's gross pay is $400 and he/she receives
$100 in Social Security benefits, the employee would receive $300 from the insurance
company). The insurance company will also make contributions on the employee's
behalf to the Earlham College pension plan. The payment of benefits will continue
until rehabilitation or until the employee's eligibility ends. There is a maximum
monthly payment. Consult your plan book for the full provisions and limitations
of the plan.
Earlham allows employees receiving long-term disability
benefits to continue coverage in the life insurance and personal
accident
insurance policies by billing
these employees for their monthly premium amounts. Eligibility for these policies
will end if, at any time, the employee's premiums are 30 days past due.
In the event that a full-time employee is disabled
and receiving Long-Term Disability benefits, Earlham will continue
to pay the
employer portion of the employee's
group health insurance premium. A detailed plan booklet is available from the
Business Office.
Earlham will also bill employees who wish to extend
their dependent health care coverage while receiving Long-Term
Disability benefits.
If at any time, the employee's
dependent health care premium contributions are 30 days past due, the dependent's
Earlham health insurance coverage will end, and COBRA coverage will be extended
to the dependent. Contact the Business Office to make arrangements for these
billing procedures.
While receiving Long-Term Disability benefits, all
de minimus fringe benefits and Tuition Remission at Earlham continue
but only the
health insurance, pension
and group life insurance paid benefits are continued as described above. In the
event that the employee is no longer eligible for long-term disability benefits
and does not return to employment at Earlham, then health care coverage will
continue at the employee’s expense under the eligibility requirements described
in the plan book.
|