BLET announces new benefits to help make sure members and families are protected

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, September 6 — BLET today announced the availability of three new, optional, member-owned benefits available to all active BLET members. These benefits include Universal Life Insurance with Long-Term Care (LTC) benefits underwritten by Trustmark Insurance Company as well as Group Accident Insurance and Group Critical Illness Insurance underwritten by Aflac. These new insurance offerings are intended to help members build financial protection for their families through affordable voluntary benefits.

Active BLET members can enroll in the Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care benefits at any time and there are only two simple medical questions to answer.

Active BLET members can also enroll in the Group Accident and Group Critical Illness plans with Aflac during the open enrollment, which is open now through December 14, 2017. Those who enroll during the open enrollment cannot be declined and are guaranteed issue with no health questions asked.

These benefits will be administered and serviced by Cornerstone Benefits Management of Lake Barrington, Ill. Active BLET members are advised to be on the lookout for an informational packet being mailed to them at their home address, and all members are encouraged to call Cornerstone at (847) 387-3555 to ask questions or to enroll.

“The BLET is committed to offering our members the very best benefits available in the industry,” BLET National President Dennis Pierce said. “Whether the need is to offset out of pocket costs associated with major medical bills, pay off current bills and debt, cover funeral expenses, send children to college or use living benefits for long-term care, these new benefits will serve to provide our members with options that will give them with greater peace of mind and financial stability.”

Universal Life provided by Trustmark

Universal Life is a comprehensive benefit option to help shield a family from financial hardship if a spouse or loved one passes away. This insurance is fully portable and offers a maximum death benefit up to $300,000 along with living benefits, which can be utilized for long-term care, home health care, and adult day care or assisted living.

Universal Life accumulates cash value as it ages, which the policyholder can access as part of his/her retirement plan or can borrow money through a loan against the cash value.

Other plan highlights include family coverage, double benefit for accidental death, waiver of premium while disabled, an early payout of a portion of the death benefit for terminal illness, and automatic yearly increases in coverage for an extra dollar in premium without additional underwriting.

Many members want to protect their families’ futures with end-of-life benefits; however, an important health care benefit for families is long-term care. In fact, the average length of a stay for long-term care in the U.S. is three years, and the cost for this care can range from $200-$300 per day. With a steep price tag, it’s more important than ever to have long-term care built into benefits offerings to help provide a financial safety net during difficult times.

About Trustmark Insurance Company:

In 1913, four men on the Chicago & North Western Railroad, who felt that passing the hat was an inadequate solution when a fellow worker was injured or disabled, formed a fraternal society — the Brotherhood of All Railway Employees. Its members and officers came from the rank and file of railroad workers. Over the decades the company grew dramatically and expanded its services to American workers in all walks of life. Today, that company is Trustmark.

With its tradition of quality service, financial strength and stability, Trustmark ranks among the leading life insurers in the United States, and is managed for the benefit of its more than 2.6 million covered persons. The company began with a handful of railroad workers who saw a need, and in that sense, Trustmark has not forgotten its origins. It’s still a company committed to people.

Trustmark Insurance Company is located in Lake Forest, Ill.. In New York, Universal Life insurance is underwritten by Trustmark Life Insurance Company of New York, Albany, N.Y.

Accident and Critical Illness provided by Aflac

Aflac is different from major medical insurance. It’s insurance for daily living. If you’re sick or injured, Aflac pays cash benefits directly to you to help address out-of-pocket medical costs, everyday expenses — whatever you choose. More than 50 million people worldwide have chosen Aflac voluntary insurance products for the added comfort of being better prepared for whatever life may bring.

Why Aflac?
• Most claims processed in about 4 business days
• Cash benefits paid directly to you, unless otherwise assigned
• Benefits paid regardless of any other insurance you may have
• No deductibles or copayments
• Freedom to choose any provider

The following insurance plans are available to all Active members of the BLET:

Group Accident Insurance
After an accident, you may have expenses you’ve never thought about. Can your finances handle them? It’s reassuring to know that an Accident Insurance plan can be there for you through the many stages of care, from the initial emergency treatment or hospitalization, to follow-up treatments or physical therapy. Group Accident Insurance from Aflac helps with out-of-pocket costs that arise when you have a covered accident such as a fracture, dislocation, or laceration.

Group Critical Illness Insurance
The Aflac Group Critical Illness Insurance plan can help with the treatment costs of covered critical illnesses, such as a heart attack, cancer or a stroke. More importantly, the plan helps you focus on recuperation instead of the distraction and stress over the costs of medical and personal bills. With Group Critical Illness Insurance from Aflac, you receive cash benefits directly—giving you the flexibility to help pay bills related to treatment or to help with everyday living expenses.

Questions?
Again, active BLET members are advised to be on the lookout for an informational packet regarding these voluntary benefits, which will be mailed to them at their home address, and members with questions are encouraged to call Cornerstone at (847) 387-3555 for more information.

Wednesday, September 06, 2017
bentley@ble-t.org