Life, Accident, & Long-Term Care

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  3. Life, Accident, & Long-Term Care

Life, Accident and Long-Term Care Benefits

Life insurance protects your beneficiary from financial hardship in the event of your death. Benefits eligible faculty and staff are covered by a basic life insurance plan. The University pays 100% of cost of this plan, which is insured through New York Life. You may also purchase additional coverage for yourself and coverage for your dependents. 

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) provides a benefit if you die due to an accident or if you have suffered a loss of functionality. Seattle University pays 100% of the premium for Basic Life and AD&D insurance. Eligible faculty and staff are automatically covered for the equivalent of annual pay (rounded up to the nearest $1,000) with a maximum of $50,000 coverage per plan.  You may choose to purchase additional amounts of insurance for yourself or eligible family members.

Long Term Care (LTC) refers to a range of health and social services provided over an extended period to individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) due to chronic illness, disability, or cognitive impairment. LTC can be provided in a variety of settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day care centers, and home care. The services provided may include assistance with basic activities like bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as medical and rehabilitation services, and social support. LTC is typically required by individuals who are no longer able to care for themselves independently and need ongoing assistance with their daily needs.

LTC insurance is available to Washington based employees via the Washington Cares Fund.  This fund was established by the State of Washington to provide LTC benefits to qualifying workers.  

Life, Accident & Long-Term Care Details

Below is a brief outline of benefits. Refer to the appropriate insurance certificate for a summary of plan benefits. Under all circumstances, the insurance policy will take precedence over information contained on this website or within the certificate.

Group Life Certificate

Group Accident Certificate

Employee Life Insurance

Benefits eligible faculty and staff are generally covered by the basic life insurance Plan. You may also purchase additional coverage for yourself and coverage for your dependents.

Employee Life Insurance Specifics Details
Basic Coverage Amount 100% of annual pay rounded up to the nearest $1,000. $50,000 maximum
Definition of Pay Your annual base pay rate as of January 1 (or date of enrollment for newly hired faculty and staff).
Limitations Coverage is reduced at age 65 and again at age 70
Guaranteed Acceptance You are guaranteed Basic Life Insurance coverage

Optional Life Insurance

Optional Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance above the $50,000 University-paid basic amount is available at your expense. You may elect between 100% and 400% of your annual pay rate (rounded up to the nearest $1,000) as additional life insurance for yourself. The maximum additional insurance is $500,000.

You may elect optional life insurance coverage when you are hired or during the University’s annual open enrollment period in November. Your premium cost for optional coverage is determined by your age and the amount of coverage. If you are a newly eligible employee, you are required to fill out an evidence of insurability (EOI) form if electing optional life insurance in excess of $150,000. Coverage is subject to approval by Cigna Insurance. Once enrolled for basic life or optional life, any subsequent increase in your life insurance requested during Open Enrollment will require evidence of insurability.

Benefits eligible faculty and staff are generally covered by Accidental Death & Dismemberment plan. The University pays the full cost of this plan. You may also purchase additional coverage for yourself.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment Specifics Details
Basic Coverage Amount 100% of annual pay rounded up to the nearest $1,000. $50,000 maximum. Additional amounts are payable for certain types of losses
Definition of Pay Your annual base pay rate as of January 1 (or date of enrollment for newly hired faculty and staff)
Limitations Coverage is reduced at age 65 and again at age 70

Optional AD&D insurance is also available at your expense if you are enrolled in optional life insurance. You may elect $100,000 to $500,000 of optional AD&D coverage for yourself. Optional Life and AD&D premiums are deducted from your paycheck after taxes have been withheld. Limitations: Coverage is reduced at age 65 and again at age 70.

Optional AD&D Coverage Specifics Details
Optional Coverage You may purchase an additional 100% to 400% of your pay (rounded up to the nearest $1,000)
Definition of Pay Your annual base pay rate as of January 1 (or date of enrollment for newly hired faculty and staff)
Maximum Coverage $500,000
Limitations Coverage is reduced at age 65 and again at age 70
Guaranteed Acceptance New hires are guaranteed coverage for up to $200,000 (includes the $50,000 basic amount). Amounts above $200,000 require evidence of insurability

Washington Cares Fund

The Washington Cares Fund assessed a payroll tax for all W-2 eligible employees in the state of Washington. This is used to fund a long-term care benefit for Washingtonians who meet all eligibility requirements as spelled out by the law. There is a provision for employees to apply for a one-time exemption to opt out of paying the tax if they have a pre-existing qualified long-term care plan in effect by November 1, 2021.

Trustmark LTC Benefit

Benefit-eligible faculty and staff had the opportunity to enroll in the Trustmark LTC + Life Insurance benefit during a special enrollment period during 2021. Employees who are currently enrolled in this coverage have LTC benefits via Trustmark.

Resources for Current Employees

Are you a current employee? Login to Redhawk Hub below to access resources catered towards existing faculty and Staff.