Long-Term Disability

Tufts University contracts with Unum to offer Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage to eligible employees who work in the United States.

Long-Term Disability is voluntary benefit that provides income replacement of 40% or 60% of your basic monthly earnings, up to a maximum monthly benefit of $12,000, if you become disabled due to a non-work related illness or accident.

If you enroll in LTD, you pay the full cost of coverage. Premiums are deducted from your paycheck after taxes, and any LTD benefits you receive will not be taxed.

Coverage Options

Benefits-eligible employees may enroll in one of two LTD coverage levels:

• 40% coverage level
• 60% coverage level

Maximum Coverage Duration

If your disability begins before age 62, and Unum approves your claim, your LTD benefits may last until your normal Social Security retirement age.

If your disability begins at age 62 or later, and Unum approves your claim, benefits are pro-rated until age 69, with a maximum duration of 12 months from age 70 onward.

Please see the Summary Plan Description for more detailed information.

How to Enroll

You can enroll in LTD coverage through eServe within 30 days of becoming benefits-eligible, or during Open Enrollment. Unum will contact you directly to complete any required Evidence of Insurability (EOI) forms. If Tufts Support Services (TSS) receives approval from Unum, your coverage will begin as follows:

• New or updated enrollments made during Open Enrollment take effect on January 1 of the following year.
• If your request is approved after January 1, coverage begins on the first day of the month following approval.
• New hires: Coverage begins on your date of hire.

Important Notes:

• As a new hire, you are automatically enrolled in the 60% option. You may change to the 40% option or opt out of the plan within your 30-day new-hire enrollment period.
• Enrollment changes are only allowed during Open Enrollment, not as a Qualifying Life Event.
• Employees working outside the United States are not eligible for this domestic Unum LTD plan.

Enhanced Benefits

If you enroll in LTD, you also have access to enhanced features:

• Conversion provision: You may convert your group coverage to an individual policy if you leave the university and have been insured under the group plan for 12 consecutive months.

Evidence of Insurability

As a newly eligible employee or during Open Enrollment, Unum may require you to provide health information as part of Evidence of Insurability (EOI).

New hires have “guarantee issue” LTD coverage, meaning no EOI form is required.

Pre-Existing Conditions

A pre-existing condition exclusion applies if you received medical treatment, consultation, care of services including diagnostic measures, or took prescribed medication in the three months before your coverage effective date.

This exclusion applies to disabilities that arise within the first 12 months after:

• your initial LTD enrollment, or
• any increase in coverage level.

After 12-months, pre-existing conditions are covered according to Unum’s policy. Please see the Long Term Disability Plan Booklet for more detailed information.

Benefits for Employees Approved for LTD

If your LTD application is approved while you are actively employed, Tufts University may continue certain benefits while you receive LTD benefits. HR Benefits will provide a detailed overview once approval is confirmed.

Health Insurance Benefits

If you are enrolled, your Tufts University health coverage will continue for a limited period. HR Benefits will provide details once approval is confirmed. Medicare premiums (if applicable) are not reimbursed.

Life Insurance Benefits

If you are enrolled in life insurance at the time you apply for LTD, Unum will review your eligibility for a waiver of premium. If approved for a waiver of premium, your life insurance will continue at no cost during the period you receive LTD benefits. See Unum Life Insurance Benefits Booklet for details.

University-Funded Retirement Plan - 401(a)

If approved for LTD while actively employed, your 401(a) contributions may continue based on a percentage of your pre-disability salary. Earnings in your account will continue until you choose to withdraw/transfer your retirement plan accumulations. You will continue to have online access to view your statements and change your investments. Please contact Fidelity at 800-343-0860 for information and/or distribution options.

Other Benefits

Dental Benefits

Coverage may continue for a limited period after LTD approval. After specified period, may be continued through COBRA.

Vision Benefits

Coverage may continue for a limited period after LTD approval. After specified period, may be continued through COBRA.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

Coverage ends upon LTD approval and cannot be continued.

MetLife Legal Plans

Coverage ends upon LTD approval. Existing cases continue; conversion options may be available for a limited time. Call MetLife Legal Plans at 800-821-6400 for more information.

Self-Funded Retirement Plan - 403(b)

If you were enrolled in the 403(b) Plan, your participation ends upon LTD approval. You are always 100% vested in the 403(b) Plan. Earnings in your account will continue until you choose to withdraw/transfer your retirement plan accumulations. You will continue to have online access to view your statements and change your investments. Please contact Fidelity at 800-343-0860 for information and/or distribution options.

Additional Information

For full details, refer to the Long Term Disability Plan Booklet. If approved, LTD income replacement benefits after a 140-day waiting period from your first day out of work relating to your disability or illness. Employees should contact Unum promptly if a leave of absence may be needed.