NASW Insurance Trust Expands Coverage

Domestic-partner and other options are added, and plans' benefits are increased at no extra cost.

The NASW Insurance Trust in January announced the addition of coverage for domestic partners, a new accelerated death benefit option for life insurance and improved disability and hospital daily cash coverage, as well as major increases in benefits' value.

It is the second consecutive year that the Board of Trustees of the insurance program, which has been offering members professional liability as well as disability, life and other group insurance since the late 1960s, has announced significant program improvements, said Insurance Trust Manager Lisa Daguio.

"We make improvements to the programs whenever possible," said Daguio. "It's nice to make the programs better as we enter a new millennium."

The trust's board consists of five volunteer NASW members who keep the best interests of social workers in mind, she said.

"Our insurance products have been regarded as one of NASW's most valuable membership benefits," said Josephine A.V. Allen, who chairs the Board of Trustees. "Over the past 30 years, the trust has implemented many program improvements, and now the trust is delighted to, once again, pass on the results of continued good experience to NASW insured members."

For the group term life insurance, the trust is adding an accelerated death benefit option, which allows eligible members who are diagnosed with a terminal illness to receive a percentage of their benefits while still alive.

Also effective this year, the value of each unit of group term life insurance has been increased 10 percent at no additional cost, now providing $11,000 of coverage up to age 65. Over-65 benefits, also increased 10 percent in value, are offered at a reduced level.

The life insurance, always offered to NASW members' spouses, is now open to domestic partners, including same-sex partners, who qualify. The value of spousal and domestic-partner coverage has been increased 10 percent as well.

The value of hospital daily cash benefits has also been increased for members aged 65 years and older, at no additional cost. Benefits have been increased 50 percent, with cash payments of $300 to $600 a week, depending on an enrollee's particular plan.

Coverage for in-patient substance abuse treatment under the hospital daily cash program also has been improved. Coverage now begins on the first day of care, as opposed to the sixth, and continues for a maximum of 28 days, rather than 10.

Under the disability insurance program's select plan, the maximum monthly benefit members can apply for has been increased from $3,000 to $4,000. In addition, claimants who return to work part time following total disability may qualify for an extension of partial benefits.

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