Question

Is Principal offering me life insurance at no cost to affect my LTD?

Asked on October 5th 2016 by Tera
I am 57 years old. I’ve been receiving LTD for 5 months and received a letter saying I am approved until full retirement age as long as I abide by the policy. Today I received a call from Principal saying I also have a life insurance policy with them through my previous employer that I'm eligible for, and they are going to sign me up as long as the doctor states I’m unable to perform “any”job. Currently under my LTD plan it states I am unable to perform my current occupation for 2 years, then it changes to “any” occupation thereafter Why are they offering me life insurance at no cost and they want my Drs to say I’m unable to perform any job to get the life insurance? Is it some sort of trick that will affect my LTD?

Answer

Answered on October 13th 2016 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Tera, they are not offering your any new life insurance or acting in a way to affect your LTD claim. Most employers provide disability and life insurance policies. Under the life insurance plan you are eligible to have the premiums waived if you are disabled (Waiver of Premium or WOP). As you noted, unlike a disability policy, the standard for receipt of WOP benefits is disabled from any occupation.