PLAN OVERVIEW

At Last, Real Help For Identity Theft Victims

Up until now, there have been three basic ways to deal with the growing problem of Identity Theft: 1. Credit Monitoring (buy a service or do-it-yourself), 2. Insurance (get reimbursed for monetary losses after the fact), and 3. Caution (taking every prudent step possible to protect your identity). There is of course the most popular option in America – DO NOTHING! Maybe that’s why Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in America today?

None of these options alone are very effective, and even in combination there’s no way to absolutely prevent ID Theft. Worst of all, none even begin to address the most serious problems victim’s face – the time and frustration of stopping ongoing fraud, and restoring ones good name and credit. Here’s why.

Insurance does nothing to prevent or solve the ongoing problems caused by identity theft. Insurance merely reimburses you for a portion of your losses. According to the FTC the average loss is only $500. Most insurance plans only cover losses above a deductible, usually $200 or more, so for most people there is very little to recover and a lot of extra time and paperwork required filing a claim. When you factor in the yearly premiums, this option becomes even less attractive.

Caution is the most effective of the three tools in the battle against ID Theft and Fraud. No matter how careful you are, a determined identity thief can find a way to get personal information. There are literally hundreds of ways, both legal and illegal, to get access to information about you and your personal information.

So, if there’s no foolproof way to avoid Identity Theft, what’s a person to do?

First let’s look at the most frequent consequence of Identity Theft – the loss of your good name and/or credit rating and the hundreds of hours of your personal time that can be spent trying to correct the problem, along with the emotional trauma involved.

Credit Monitoring is now provided by ID Theft Assist. This addition will help catch any new account activity by someone who has accessed your personal information.

Until the introduction of ID Theft Assist, you were on your own in dealing with these consequences. Sure, some Identity Theft Programs provided “ID Recovery Kits”, but most were little more than Do-It-Yourself manuals with instructions and sample form letters. It was a frustrating “trial and error” process, compounded by the inexperience of the victim and the emotional trauma of the situation.

With the introduction of ID Theft Assist there’s finally a better way to deal with the consequences of Identity Theft. With the cards stacked against you, the victim, only pro-active, dedicated professionals with extensive experience and worldwide resources can bring order to the chaos and restore your security. Here’s a thumbnail description of how the program works when you discover your identity has been compromised.

You simply call our toll free number to report the situation, and authorize us (the program providers - (Worldwide Assistance, Trans Union and Affinity Care) to act on your behalf to correct the problem.

COST: $85.00 per year Single or $95.00 per year Family
OR – Call Mass Benefits for an application – 703-256-7800

The program can do all of the following:

• Capture all necessary information, including credit history, with "real-time" technology.
• Review credit history with victim and identify fraudulent accounts.
• Provide participant with a uniform ID Theft Affidavit, answer any questions regarding completion of the affidavit and submit the affidavit to the proper authorities, credit bureaus, and creditors.
• Obtain list of creditors to be contacted and contact them with separate itemized fraudulent account statements for each fraudulent occurrence.
• Assist the participant with itemizing.
• Report the fraudulent activity to the local authorities and forward this report to creditors.
• Notify the fraud department of participant's creditors.
• Notify all three major credit-reporting agencies of the ID theft.
• Assist participant in placing a "Fraud Alert" on his/her credit report.
• Report the ID theft to the Federal Trade Commission.
• Provide the participant with a helpful "ID Theft Emergency Response Kit"™.
• Educate the participant on how Identity Theft occurs and inform him or her of protective measures to take to avoid further occurrences.
• Translate whenever necessary, such as when caller is overseas and needs help communicating with the local police in order to file a report.
• Provide emergency cash advance when theft occurs away from home.
• Perform legal document review.
• Draft a victim impact letter to the judge handling the case if impostor is apprehended and stands trial.
• Determine best legal action to take against creditors or how to work with credit bureaus if creditors are not cooperative in removing fraudulent entries from participant's credit report.
• Give advice for ancillary problems caused by Identity Theft.
• Offer unlimited telephone access 24/7 to Master level consultants to help participant alleviate the stress and anxiety caused by Identity Theft.
• Arrange access, when needed, to up to three in-person sessions with a professional in our national network of Behavioral Specialists to help participant deal with the emotional trauma of Identity Theft.

With one phone call ID Theft Assist brings order out of chaos by untangling the red tape and completing the arduous and time consuming tasks you would otherwise have to assume!

ID Theft Assist is truly a pro-active service, stepping into the victim’s shoes and doing everything he/she would otherwise have to do to correct the situation. It’s the first and only true third party assistance service for victims of identity theft that saves time, money and aggravation. This is what sets ID Theft Assist apart from every other product on the market today.

Click Here to Enroll Now

The issue of Long-Term Care is one that may affect almost all of us in one way or another. The costs associated with nursing home and home health care continue to escalate. Traditional sources of health coverage such as FEHB and Medicare cover few long-term care expenses.

Even though Congress has passed legislation that provides long-term coverage to federal employees, the insurance plan sponsored by VA Employees Association may provide more comprehensive coverage at a lower cost, and can cover parents and children of VA employees as well as employees and their spouses.

The VAEA sponsored program through John Hancock Life provides premium discounts of up to 20% .

BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE REGARDLESS OF THE TYPE OF CARE YOU NEED:

Home Health Care: Home nursing care by an RN, LPN or LVN, or services provided by home health aids who are certified or employed through qualified home health agencies, physical, respiratory, occupational, or speech therapy, and nutritional counseling, by or under the supervision of qualified home health agency.

Adult Day Care Services: Coverage is provided for licensed facilities with planned daytime activities to relieve the primary caregiver.

Informal Care: This includes help with everyday activities, personal supervision from a skilled or unskilled provider if you are cognitively impaired, and certain services to maintain the home environment.

Assisted Living Facilities/Nursing Home Care: Coverage is provided in qualified assisted living facilities or nursing home.

Nursing Home Care: Coverage is provided for all levels of nursing home care including skilled, intermediate and custodial nursing care.

To obtain a proposal (rate quote and benefit outline), complete the information below:

Name:______________________________

Street:______________________________

City, St, Zip__________________________

Sex:_________ Agency: Veterans Affairs

Date of Birth:________________________

Spouse Date of Birth:__________________

Daytime Phone: (______) ______________

Evening Phone: (______)_______________

Mail your request to:

Mass Benefits Consultants, Inc.
P.O. Box 828
Annandale, VA 22003-0828

OR

E-mail your request to: mbc@massbenefits.com

The VAEA Supplemental Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

Underwritten by:  New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY  10010

SHIP PLAN BENEFITS

Coverage terminates for employees and dependents when employee reaches attained age 70.

ENROLLMENT IS EASY.....

You can give your family the extra protection of SHIP in minutes.......

YOUR PERSONAL GUARANTEE OF SATISFACTION

After your Enrollment Form has been accepted, you will receive a Certificate of Insurance describing the Plan's benefits in detail.  If you decide, for any reason, that you do not want to continue coverage, return the Certificate within 30 days.  You'll get a full refund, with no questions or obligations.

YOUR PLAN ADMINISTRATOR

Mass Benefits Consultants, Inc. (MBC) remains the administrator of the SHIP Plan.

ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SHIP PLAN?

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-221-3083 OR e-mail mbc@massbenefits.com

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Although every attempt has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained on this website, errors and omissions may occur.  This information is a brief description of important features of the SHIP Hospital Indemnity Plan.  It is not a contract.  Terms and conditions of coverage are set forth in group policy number G-29162-0, on policy form GMR issued to the Government Employees Voluntary Benefit Trust (GEVBT).

For the prudent person Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance is important to a well-rounded financial program. It bridges the financial gap that occurs when a breadwinner meets accidental death, or an accident that results in loss of sight or dismemberment. In addition, it provides a sum that may be needed to cover medical insurance co-pays and deductibles, or to train one for a new career.

When death is accidental, there is often great financial hardship because the estate is inadequate or assets are not readily convertible to cash. Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance provides the additional ready cash families need.

We are pleased to offer this program of group Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance. We urge each of you to examine your own individual or family needs and consider this plan.

Who's Eligible?
All actively employed members and retired employee members under age 80 are eligible. Your spouse under age 80 and unmarried dependent children under age 19 are also eligible. Unmarried children who are full-time students and primarily dependent on you for support are also eligible to age 23. If your spouse is also an active or retired VA employee and you both enroll, you cannot be a dependent on each other's coverage. Children will be considered eligible dependents of both spouses.

What's Covered?
You and your dependents are covered 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world. You're covered whether you're at home, at work or on vacation. And these benefits are payable in addition to any other insurance you have.

Selecting Your Benefits
You may select any Principal Sum from a minimum of $20,000 to a maximum of $250,000 in increments of $5,000. The cost for the coverage is based upon your age. Examples of annual premiums for some Principal Sum selections are in the following Premium Schedule chart.

Schedule of Benefits for
Insured Persons
Premium Schedule - Annual

Under Age 75:

+Principal Sums for Insureds while riding as a pilot or crewmember of any military aircraft while the service is being performed on a part-time basis to satisfy military service training obligations and not on a temporary or permanent full-time basis is the lesser or one-half his or her Principal Sum of $25,000.

You May Select Individual Coverage or Include Dependent Coverage
In addition to your own coverage provides the following insurance for your dependents:

• If you have a spouse only, 50% of your coverage.
• If you have a spouse and children, your spouse is insured for 40% of your Principal Sum and each unmarried child under age 19 (23 for full-time students) is insured for 10% of your Principal Sum.
• If you have children only, each child is insured for 15% of your Principal Sum to age 19 (23 if full-time students).

Effective Date of Coverage
Member Effective Date:
If you are eligible, you may enroll for insurance during the open enrollment period. New employees may enroll for insurance when they are eligible. Coverage will become effective on the first day of the month next following the date both your enrollment form and premium payment are received.

Dependent Effective Date:
Dependent coverage goes into effect on the date you become insured; on the first of the month following receipt of your dependent's enrollment form and appropriate premium; or on the date they become eligible, whichever is latest.

Beneficiary
Benefits for loss of your life will be paid to the beneficiary you have designated. If you have not designated a beneficiary, the life benefit will be paid to your estate. Benefits for loss other than life will be paid to you. All dependent benefits are paid to you.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment
If any of the following losses result from an Injury sustained in an accident, and the loss occurs within 365 days after that accident, this play will pay:

The total limit of liability for any one person for all losses due to the same accident will not be more than the Principal Sum.

Loss means, with regard to hands and feet, actual severance through or above wrist or ankle joints; with regard to sight, speech or hearing, entire and irrecoverable loss thereof; thumb and index finger, actual severance through or above the metacarpophalangeal joints; movement of limbs, complete and irreversible paralysis of such limbs.

Injury means a bodily injury resulting directly from an accident and independent of all other causes. Loss resulting from sickness or disease, or medical or surgical treatment of sickness or disease, is not covered. The accident must occur while you are covered under the policy.

Bonus Benefits
-- Permanent Total Disability Benefit
-- Escalatory Benefit
-- Common Disaster Benefit
-- Survivor Benefit
-- Spouse Education Benefit
-- Child Education Benefit

Permanent Total Disability Benefit
(Employee Only)
Pays the Principal Sum, less any amount payable under the Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit, if you provide written proof that you were Totally Disabled from an Injury you received before age 65, the disability began within 180 days of the accident, the disability continued without interruption for 12 months and is expected to continue uninterrupted throughout your lifetime.

Totally Disabled means unable to perform the material and substantial duties of any occupation for which you are suited either by education, training, or experience.

Escalatory Benefit
If a Principal Sum is payable, the plan will also pay an Escalatory Benefit. This benefit is determined by multiplying 2% by the number of full years you have been insured under the policy, up to 5 years. Then multiply the Principal Sum that will be paid by the total percentage to determine the amount of the Escalatory Benefit.

Common Disaster Benefit
If both you and your spouse die as a result of Injuries received in the same accident and a Principal Sum is payable under the Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit for each death, the benefit for your spouse will be increased to equal your Principal Sum to a maximum combined benefit of $500,000.

Survivor Benefit
If your spouse is covered under this plan and the Principal Sum is payable because of your or your spouse's death, a Survivor Benefit will be paid in addition to the Principal Sum. The survivor benefit will be ½% of the deceased person's Principal Sum, paid monthly for 12 months. The survivor benefit will be paid to the surviving spouse, if living, otherwise in equal shares to your dependent children. If none survive, payment is made according to the beneficiary section.

Spouse Education Benefit
If your spouse is covered under this plan and the Principal Sum is payable because of your death, the plan will pay an Education Benefit to your spouse. This benefit will be the lesser of:

-- 3% of your Principal Sum; or
-- the Expense Incurred for Occupational Training; or
-- $3,500.

To qualify for this benefit, your spouse must enroll in an Occupational Training Program for the purpose of earning an independent income. Enrollment must take place within one year of your death, and expenses must be incurred within two years of your death.

If the Principal Sum is payable because of your death, and no covered spouse survives, the plan will pay $1,000 to your beneficiary.

Expense Incurred means actual tuition charged and cost of materials required for the Occupational Training Program. It does not include room and board.

Occupational Training Program means any educational, professional, or trade training which prepares your spouse for an occupation for which he or she would not otherwise be qualified.

Education Benefit
If your children are covered under this plan and a Principal Sum is payable because of your death, the plan will pay an Education Benefit to each of your eligible dependent children who qualifies. To receive this benefit, an eligible dependent child must show proof that on the date of your death he or she was enrolled as:
-- a full-time post-high school student in a school for higher learning; or
-- a student in 12th grade and, within 365 days, enroll as a full-time post-high school student in a school of higher learning.

The Education benefit will be the lesser of 2% of your Principal Sum or $2,500. This benefit is payable every year in which an eligible dependent child meets the above definition for up to 4 consecutive years, provided the dependent child submits proof of his or her student status each year.

If an Education Benefit would be payable, but no person qualifies as a student, the plan will pay $1,000 to your beneficiary.

Changes in Coverage
To request a change in coverage, simply complete a new enrollment form. the change will become effective on the first of the month on or next following the date your new enrollment form and appropriate premium is received.

Definition of Injury
Injury means a bodily injury resulting directly from any accident and independent of all other causes. Loss resulting from sickness or disease, or medical or surgical treatment of a sickness or disease, is not covered. The accident must occur while you are covered under the policy.

ENROLLMENT CARD

Reduction Due to Age
Your Principal Sum automatically reduces on the premium due date on or next following the date you attain the age indicated below.

Exclusions
Loss caused by any of the following events is not covered.
-- Intentionally self-inflicted injury, suicide or attempted suicide, whether sane or insane.
-- War or act of war, whether declared or not.
-- Injury sustained while in the armed forces of any country or international authority.
-- Injury sustained while riding on any aircraft, unless it's a civilian or public aircraft, or military transport aircraft.
-- Injury sustained while riding on any aircraft as a pilot, crew member, student pilot, flight instructor, or examiner.
-- Injury sustained while riding on any aircraft owned, operated or leased by or for the policyholder or any employer or organization whose eligible persons are covered under the policy.

Termination of Coverage
Coverage will terminate on the earliest of the following dates:
-- The date the policy is terminated; or
-- The premium due date on or next following the date you are no longer an eligible person or fail to pay premium.
Coverage for eligible dependents will terminate on the premium due date following the earlier of:
-- The date you cease to be insured; or
-- The date your dependent is no longer eligible.

Underwritten by:

Hartford Life Insurance Company

Hartford Life Insurance Company has been specializing in accident coverage for employees, retirees, and association members for over 40 years. Hartford Life, Inc., the sixth largest life insurance group in the nation, is one of the fastest growing major life organizations of the decade protecting more than 28 million lives. Hartford Life Insurance Company holds an A+ rating with A.M. Best company, an independent rating organization that evaluates the financial stability of the insurance industry.

Arranged through:

Mass Benefits Consultants, Inc. (MBC)

MBC has served VA employees for over 25 years as insurance broker and administrator. In our role as broker, MBC seeks to provide innovative insurance programs specifically designed for the individual needs of the VA employee. The VAEA plans are designed to help employees supplement their own insurance programs and personal financial planning.

You will receive a certificate of insurance describing the exact coverage and benefits purchased. This brochure explains the general purpose of the insurance described, but in no way changes or affects the insurance afforded under the group insurance policy actually issued. All coverage is subject to actual policy conditions and exclusions.

ENROLLMENT FORM

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

Especially designed for Federal Employees

Lawsuits against Federal Government employees are increasing at an alarming rate. Members of the public, even fellow workers, can bring personal lawsuits against you. You are at risk whenever you are acting within the scope of your job including:

• delegating assignments
• making staff evaluations
• working at your desk
• meeting with the public

Away from your desk, you could be exposed to even greater risk of lawsuits from private citizens. Frivolous or not, it could still cost you thousands of dollars.

Federal Law requires that all federal agencies
must reimburse employees one-half of the annual
premium for Professional Liability Insurance.
(Passed in 1996, part of the Omnibus Consolidated
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1997
Contact your payroll office for reimbursement details)

The Federal Tort Claims Act states that the government can choose whether or not to defend you. It cannot cover any monetary damages awarded against you personally. Even if the Justice Department refuses to defend you, this plan picks up the full cost of your legal defense and pays covered damages awarded against you (up to the $1 million limit).

This Professional Liability Insurance was specially designed to protect Federal Government employees. You are protected anywhere in the world against losses from lawsuits stemming from the performance of your official federal duties.

In recent years, the number of disciplinary and performance-based actions taken by U.S. government agencies against their own employees, both supervisory and non-supervisory, has risen dramatically. Allegations of discrimination, sexual harassment, civil rights violations, computer and credit card misuse, leave abuse and other offenses can be leveled at the most honest and upright of people. This policy provides experienced federal employment law practitioners for your legal defense with coverage up to $100,000 in attorney fees and related costs. Both administrative and criminal charges against you are covered.

In the event defense of the Insured in any claim or suit is granted by the Department of Justice or its designee, the Insured may, nevertheless request the Company to provide him with an attorney selected by the Company to monitor and oversee the defense being provided by the United States.

ELIGIBILITY

Any full-time employee of the Federal Government working at least 17.5 hours per week is eligible for Professional Liability coverage

DESCRIPTION OF BENEFITS

• $1,000,000 of professional liability coverage for judgments arising from acts, errors, or omissions committed by you within the course and scope of your employment.
• Protection against judgments involving personal injury, bodily injury and property damage within the scope of your employment.
• Protection against lawsuits that existed before the effective date of coverage provided as an insured that you had no knowledge of such suits.
• A discovery period of 36 months is effective the day you retire.
• Administrative legal defense coverage up to $100,000 to pay the costs of defense and monetary penalties during administrative proceedings for acts committed or alleged within the scope of your employment. Coverage is provided for Internal Agency Disciplinary Proceedings; Criminal Proceedings; and Judicial Sanctions for any monetary penalty.

This plan pays for your defense cost even against groundless or fraudulent suits. This is in addition to your liability limit and is without limitation. There is no deductible, and where allowed by state law, this plan pays punitive damages up to your coverage limit.

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT CONSULTED IN DESIGNING THIS COVERAGE

This program was developed with the advice and consultation of attorneys in the Torts Claims Division of the Justice Department to provide the fullest protection possible for you as a government employee. They work in the field daily and are more acutely aware of your needs than anyone else. You should feel confident knowing this is the only professional liability policy developed with the advice of the Justice Department.

“Course and scope of employment” means an “incident” of any kind or character that has to do with and originates in the work, services, trade or profession of the employee’s federal agency and that is performed by the employee while engaged in or about the furtherance of the affairs or services of that federal agency.

ENROLLMENT

1. Complete and return the enclosed application form with payment in the return envelope provided (payroll deduction must be started by employee – call 1-800-221-3083 for assistance).

2. To pay by credit card, visit our secure website: www.career-guard.com. Complete the on-line application and credit card information.

Coverage will begin on the first day of the month following receipt of the application and payment. (Payroll Deduction Option – Coverage begins on the first day of the pay period that the deduction is made.)

EXCLUSIONS

Coverage under this plan does not apply

a) to any obligation for which the Insured or any carrier as the insurer may be held liable under any workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, disability benefits law, or other similar law;

b) to damages arising out of the willful violation of a penal statue or penal ordinance committed by or with the knowledge or consent of the Insured, or damages arising out of acts of fraud committed by or at the direction of the insured with affirmative dishonesty or actual intent to deceive or defraud;

c) to liability assumed by the Insured under any contract or agreement;

d) to Bodily Injury arising out of the ownership, operation, or the use of any land motor vehicle designed for use principally on public highways, including any machinery or apparatus attached thereto, or any aircraft or watercraft;

e) to Property damage to:

1. Property owned occupied by, or rented to the United States Government or Insured;

2. Property used by the Insured;

3. Property in the care or control of the Insured or as to which the Insured is for any purpose exercising physical control.

f. (1) Bodily Injury, Property Damage, Personal Injury, Advertising Injury or any Administrative Law Proceeding arising out of the actual, alleged or threatened discharge, dispersal, seepage, migration, release or escape of pollutants:

(a) At or from any premises, site or location which is or was at any time owned or occupied by, or rented to or loaned to any Insured;

• At or from any premises, site or location which is or was at any time used by or for any Insured or others for handling, storage, disposal, processing or treatment of waste;
• Which are or were at any time transported, handled, stored, treated disposed of, or processed as waste by or for any Insured or any person or organization for whom may be legally responsible; or
• At or from any premises, site or location on which any insured or any contractors or subcontractors working directly or indirectly on any insured’s behalf are performing operations;
• if the pollutants are brought on or to the premises, site or location in connection with such operations by such insured, contractor or subcontractor; or
• if the operations are to test for, monitor, clean up, remove, contain, treat, detoxify or neutralize, or in any way respond to, or assess the effects of pollutants

(2) Any loss, cost or expense arising out of any:

• Request, demand or order that any Insured or others test for, monitor, clean up, remove, contain, treat, detoxify or neutralize, or in any way respond to, or assess the effects of pollutants;

or

• Claim or Suit by or on behalf of a governmental authority for damages because of testing for, monitoring, cleaning up, removing, containing, treating, detoxifying or neutralizing, or in any wan responding to, or assessing the effects of pollutants.

Pollutants means any solid, liquid, gaseous or thermal irritant or contaminant, including smoke, vapor, soot, fumes, acids, alkalis, chemicals and waste. Waste includes materials to be recycled, reconditioned or reclaimed.

g. (1) Asbestos, asbestos fibers, asbertiform talc or any material and/or substances containing asbestos, asbestos fibers or asbertiform talc or any asbestos related bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, or administrative law proceeding, or exposure to asbestos, asbestos fibers or asbertiform talc in any form, and/or manifestation of any asbestos related bodily injury, including but not limited to asbestosis, mesotheliomia and/or brochogenic carcinoma; or

• Any alleged act, error or omission or duty involving asbestos, asbestos fibers or asbertiform talc or any material and/or substances containing asbestos, asbestos fibers or asbertiform talc its use, exposure, presence, existence, detection, removal, elimination or avoidance; or
• The use, exposure, presence, existence, detection, removal, elimination or avoidance of asbestos, asbestos fibers or asbertiform talc or any material and/or substances containing asbestos, asbestos fibers or asbertiform talc in any environment, building or structure.
• Any procedures, including grievance procedures and arbitration hearings, that are provided by any collective bargaining agreements.

This article offers a brief description of the Professional Liability Insurance plan. Details can be found in the Certificate of Insurance, which will be available to you upon enrollment.

Although every attempt has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained on this website, errors and omissions may occur. The Certificate of Insurance describing the exact coverage and benefits purchased will be available upon enrollment. This website explains the general purposes of the insurance described, but in no way changes or affects the insurance afforded under the group insurance policy actually issued. All coverage is subject to the actual policy conditions and exclusions.

Professional Liability Insurance

(All forms are in PDF format. If you cannot
print a form, please call 1-800-221-3083
and we will be glad to mail forms to you.)

Eligible members of VAEA and their spouses can apply for as much as $250,000 of Term Life Insurance at affordable group rates:

Why Term Life Insurance:

We can sum it up in one word - cost. Term Life offers a considerable advantage over permanent life insurance because term policies provide pure protection at a lower cost during the time your growing family needs it.

The VAEA Group Term Life Insurance Plan combines affordable group rates with high-limit protection. There are no extras such as cash loans or retirement income value to increase the cost. This is truly a no-frills group plan offering you one of the best life insurance values available.

Apply now and erase the worry and concern for your loved ones' financial future. If approved, you will have provided them with a no-nonsense, affordable, term life insurance plan.

Who Can Apply?
Any VA employee, under the age of 60, who is actively at work can apply. A member must be actively at work on a full-time basis (30 or more hours per week) on the date his/her insurance is to take effect. If he/she is not, such insurance will take effect on the day the person resumes such activities.

You can also apply for coverage for your spouse and dependent children (15 days through age 20 or through age 24 if a full-time student). Dependents must be able to perform the normal activities of a person of like age, sex or retired status on the date the insurance is to take effect. If not, the insurance will take effect on the day the insured resumes such activities.

Affordable group rates.
The buying power of your VAEA membership makes this insurance affordable. (You choose how much protection you need.) Member and Spouse can be covered from $25,000 to $250,000 in $25,000 increments. Children can be covered for up to $5,000.

NEW BENEFIT - Help Protect your family against inflation:
After six months of continuous coverage, you and your spouse can increase your original benefit amount by 10% on each policy anniversary date for the next 10 years (or until you reach age 70) provided you were medically underwritten and approved for coverage in the previous twelve months of the first offer. That means that if you start with $50,000 in coverage, you will have $100,000 of coverage 10 years from now. The maximum life insurance amount is $250,000. Premium increases with each offer accepted.
Complete details will be in your Certificate of Insurance.

Renewable to age 75 even if you retire.
As long as you make your payments on time, remain a member of VAEA, and the master policy is in force, you can keep renewing your insurance until age 75. Coverage for your spouse and children will end when they cease to be eligible or when your coverage ends. However, if your coverage ends because of death, dependent coverage can continue provided the premium is paid and they remain eligible.

Group Conversion Privilege.
If your insurance ends for a reason other than your request, non-payment of premium before age 75, or receipt of an Accelerated Death Benefit, you have the privilege of converting your group coverage to an individual policy of permanent life insurance (other than term) from New York Life during the conversion period without further evidence of insurability.

All applications for conversion must be made within 31 days after the date the individual becomes entitled to exercise the conversion privilege.

Waiver of Premium.
If an insured member becomes totally disabled prior to age 60, all premiums after six months of continuous disability will be waived and the insurance will continue in effect. Complete details will be in your Certificate of Insurance.

An Accelerated Death Benefit*.
This attractive benefit provision is available to insureds under the age of 70. If you are diagnosed by a physician to be terminally ill, and have 12 months** or less to live, you may elect to receive up to 50% of your group life insurance benefit. The remaining benefit then becomes payable to your beneficiary after your death.

Complete details will be available in the Certificate of Insurance. Receipt of this benefit may affect eligibility for public assistance programs and may be taxable. Prior to applying you should consult with the appropriate social services agency and your tax advisor.

* Not available to Residents of Massachusetts
** 24 months for Residents of Illinois.

Current 2009 Group Term Life Rates
Semi-Annual (Per $10,000 Unit Coverage)
(Member or Spouse)

* 60+ rates are for renewal only. Upon attainment of age 65 and 70, benefits will reduce 50%.
Coverage terminates at age 75.

Notes:

• "Age" means attained age at the time of application.
• Premiums increase as the insured enters a new age bracket.
• Maximum coverage is $250,000 including any other coverage you may have through the VAEA Group Term Life Plan
• Premium for a spouse is based on the spouse's attained age. Spouse coverage may not exceed the member's coverage.
• Preferred rates are available to anyone who has not used tobacco or nicotine products in the 12 months preceding application.
• An administrative fee of $2.00 will be added to each account per billing cycle.
  

How do I apply?
1. Print and fill out the application. Be sure to sign and date the application/medical authorization form.

2. Use the table (above) to decide on coverage and to figure the amount of your payment. Request the amount of coverage you desire on the application.

3. Mail the signed form and check for your first semi-annual payment to:

Mass Benefits Consultants, Inc.
VAEA Administrator
P.O. Box 828
Annandale, VA 22003-0828

4. Your insurance will become effective on the first day of the month after your application is approved and the required premium is paid. Payment of premium contributions with your application does not mean that there is any insurance in force before the effective date as determined by New York Life.

All dependent children (regardless of how many) may be insured for one payment of $10.00. Coverage is $1,000 per child age 15 days to age 6 months; $5,000 per child age 6 months through age 23; through age 25 if a full-time student).

Effective Date
Coverage becomes effective on the first day of the month coinciding with, or immediately following, the date your request for coverage is approved by New York Life Insurance Company, and the full premium for the insurance is received.

Benefits and Exclusions
New York Life will pay the amount of your insurance to your beneficiary if you die from any cause anywhere in the world. The only exclusions are for misrepresentation of facts on your application and for suicide in the first two years of coverage. Residents of Missouri: Benefits will not be paid for suicide within the first two years if New York Life can show that suicide was intended at time of application. You name your beneficiary. You are the automatic beneficiary for dependent coverage.

Important Notice:

How New York Life Obtains Information and Underwrites Your Request Group Life Insurance

Information regarding insurability will be treated as confidential. In considering your request for insurance, we will rely on the medical information you provide, and on the information you authorize us to obtain from your physician, other medical practitioners and facilities, other insurance companies to which you have applied for insurance and MIB, Inc. (formerly known as Medical Information Bureau). MIB and other insurance companies may also furnish New York Life, its subsidiaries or the Plan Administrator with non-medical information (such as driving records, past convictions, hazardous sport or aviation activity, use of alcohol or drugs, and other applications for insurance). The information provided may include information that may predate the time frame stated on the medical questions section, if any, on this application. This information may be used during the underwriting and claims processes, where permitted by law.

Your AUTHORIZATION may be used for a period of 24 months from the date you signed the application for insurance, unless sooner revoked. The AUTHORIZATION may be revoked at any time by notifying the Administrator in writing at the address provided. Your revocation will not be effective to the extent New York Life or any other person already has disclosed or collected information or taken other action in reliance on it, or to the extent that New York Life has a legal right to contest a claim under an insurance certificate or the certificate itself. The information New York Life obtains through your AUTHORIZATION may become subject to further disclosure. For example, New York Life may be required to provide it to insurance, regulatory or other government agencies. In this case, the information may no longer be protected by the rules governing your AUTHORIZATION.

New York Life may release this information to the Plan Administrator, MIB, other insurance companies to whom you may apply for insurance, or to whom a claim for benefits may be submitted and to others whom you authorize in writing. However, this will not be done in connection with information concerning Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

New York Life will not disclose such information to anyone except those you authorize or where required or permitted by law. We may make a brief report to MIB; however, we will not disclose our underwriting decision. Information in our files may be seen by New York Life and Plan Administrator employees, but only on a "need to know" basis in considering your request. Upon receipt of all requested information, we will make a determination as to whether your request for insurance can be approved.

MIB is a not-for-profit organization of insurance companies, which operates an information exchange on behalf of its members. When you apply for insurance or submit a claim for benefits to a MIB member company, medical or non-medical information may be given to the Bureau, which may then be furnished to member companies.

If we cannot provide the coverage you requested, we will tell you why. If you feel our information is inaccurate, you will be given a chance to correct or complete the information in our files. Upon written request to New York Life or MIB, you will be provided with non-medical information. Generally, medical information will be given either directly to the proposed insured or to a medical professional designated by the proposed insured. Your request is handled in accordance with the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act procedures. If you question the accuracy of the information provided by MIB, you may contact MIB and seek a correction. MIB's information office is: MIB, Inc., 50 Braintree Hill Park, Suite 400, Braintree, MA 02184-8734, telephone (866) 692-6901 (TTY 866-346-3642). For Canadian residents, the address is: MIB Information Office, 330 University Avenue, Suite 501, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1R7, telephone (416) 597-0590. Information for consumers about MIB may be obtained on its website at www.mib.com.

This summary is a brief summary of benefits only and is subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of Group Policy No. G-29295-0. Complete details can For NM Residents: PROTECTED PERSONS 1 have a right of access to certain CONFIDENTIAL ABUSE INFORMATION 2 we maintain in our files and they may choose to receive such information directly. You have the right to register as a PROTECTED PERSON by sending a signed request to the Administrator at the address listed on the application. Please include your full name, date of birth and address.

1 PROTECTED PERSON means a victim of domestic abuse: who has notified us that he/she is or has been a victim of domestic abuse; and who is an insured person or prospective insured person.

2CONFIDENTIAL ABUSE INFORMATION means information about: acts of domestic abuse or abuse status; the work or home address or telephone number of a victim of domestic abuse; or the status of an applicant or insured as family member, employer or associate of a victim of domestic abuse or a person with whom an applicant or insured is known to have a direct, close, personal, family or abuse-related relationship.

Brokered and Administered by:
Mass Benefits Consultants, Inc.
P.O. Box 828
Annandale, VA 22003-0828
Call Toll-Free - 1-800-221-3083

Underwritten by:
New York Life Insurance Company
51 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10010

New York Life Insurance Company has received the highest possible ratings for financial strength from some of the industry’s principal rating entities: A.M. Best A++ (Superior), Fitch Ratings (AAA), Moody’s Investors Service (Aaa) and Standard and Poors (AAA).*

Although every attempt has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained on this website, errors and omissions may occur. You will receive a certificate of insurance describing the exact coverage and benefits purchased. This website explains the general purposes of the insurance described, but in no way changes or affects the insurance afforded under the group insurance policy actually issued. All coverage is subject to the actual policy conditions and exclusions.

APPLICATION FOR TERM LIFE INSURANCE