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Employee Optional Life Insurance
Benefits-eligible employees may elect to purchase up to an additional $150,000 of group term life insurance. Please note the following:

• Coverage, up to $150,000, is available in $25,000 increments
• Rates are based on the employee’s age and the coverage level elected; premiums automatically increase on five year age bands
• Premiums for optional life insurance coverage are paid on an after-tax basis
• Coverage purchased during your initial eligibility period is not subject to medical underwriting
• COBRA does not apply to this insurance
• Increases in coverage are subject to medical underwriting (after your initial eligibility period)
• By law, you will be taxed for the cost of any life insurance amount you elect in excess of $50,000 (including the County’s basic life coverage) if there is any imputed income. Even though you do not actually receive income, the value of contributions used to pay for the excess coverage is considered taxable income. Taxes are based on an age-related schedule published by the IRS. Your imputed income, if any, will be reported on your W-2 form.

Benefit-eligible employees can apply for new or increased coverage at any time, but after their initial eligibility period, approval of new or increased coverage is subject to medical underwriting approved by The Standard.  Upon approval by Standard Insurance Company the new or increased coverage will go into effect and we will begin payroll deduction of premiums. Note: If an employee is on leave that qualifies as FMLA leave, he/she may restart this coverage without medical underwriting upon return to work.

Employees can request cancellation of coverage or reduction in coverage to a lower increment of $25,000 at any time by writing to Employee Benefit Services (the change will go into effect the pay period in which the request is received and we will adjust your premium accordingly.)

The beneficiary/ies for employee optional life insurance is/are the same as for basic life insurance. You can change beneficiaries at any time by completing a new beneficiary form available from Employee Benefit Services. Beneficiary elections are not valid unless signed, dated and received by a representative from Employee Benefit Services during your lifetime.

• This benefit may be continued upon retirement at applicable retiree rates through the County. Coverage ends on the date of separation/retirement unless continued.
• This benefit may be continued after separation of employment through a conversion policy at applicable rates through the carrier. Coverage ends on the date of separation/retirement unless converted through The Standard Insurance Co.