Offers optional riders such as line of duty AD&D benefit, a critical burn rider and health coverage continuance
Sun Life Financial has announced new enhancements designed to meet the benefit needs and administrative practices of public sector groups that may differ from their private sector.
The company’s Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and Long Term Disability (LTD) plans offer optional riders such as a line of duty AD&D benefit, a critical burn rider and health coverage continuance not limited to Cobra.
According to Sun Life, the new Group Life and AD&D riders for the public sector include, line of duty rider which pays an additional benefit if a public safety officer’s death or dismemberment occurs in the line of duty; critical burn rider that pays benefit to victims of accidental burns; fatal heart attack or stroke rider for public safety officers who die as a result of a heart attack or stroke suffered during non-routine, stressful or physically strenuous duties or training; and coverage for elected officials allows public sector customers to include elected officials in a group plan.
In addition, the group life plans also offer an accelerated death benefit, tailored waiver of premium provisions, greater coverage for part-time employees, extended leave of absence coverage to meet teachers’ needs, and an optional felonious assault AD&D Rider for public safety officials and school district personnel.
The optional riders with long term disability benefits include the accidental dismemberment/loss of sight rider; social security / PERS and STRS incentive allows claimants to receive income protection by not offsetting other disability programs; and optional health coverage continuance rider that helps employees pay the cost of medical and dental premiums.
Michael Shunney, senior vice president and general manager of Sun Life Financial, said: “We understand these groups are best served with policy provisions that consider their needs first, rather than trying to make them fit into a contract created for the private sector. We are pleased to launch our latest enhancements that provide additional options for government employers to customize their coverage and extend tailored protection to employees.”