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 the Post Office Department may provide more comprehensive coverage at a lower cost, and can cover parents and children of Post Office Department employees as well as employees and their spouses.

The Post Office Department 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: Post Office Department Employees Association

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 GEVBP Supplemental Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

HIGH-LIMIT ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT PLAN

Accidents can happen to anyone at any time. No one can foresee when one will occur, but now you can plan against the severe financial loss such a tragedy could bring to you and members of your family.

You may enroll individually or include your spouse and dependent children.

A brief description of the benefits, premium rates and an enrollment form follow. Take this opportunity today to enroll in this important plan to protect yourself and your family's future.

$10,000 to $100,000 - Choose the protection you want........

This Accidental Death and Dismemberment Plan is offered to you, your spouse and dependent children at reasonable, group rates because you are a Federal employee. These benefits are payable for death or dismemberment due to accidents that occur anywhere in the world.

You Are Eligible for up to $100,000 of Coverage

All members under age 70 who are actively at work are eligible for this plan. You select the protection you want, from $10,000 to $100,000.

You May Select Individual Coverage or Include Your Spouse
and Dependents in this Plan...

You can include your spouse (husband or wife to age 70) and all dependent, unmarried children to 19 years of age (23 if a full-time student). It costs you much less than similar individual coverage alone. If you select the Family Plan, the benefits are:

a) Your spouse is insured for 50% of the member's full benefit amount.

b) Each unmarried child under 19 (23 if full-time student) is insured for 10% of the member's full benefit amount.

You Are Paid the Benefits Shown Below....

When injuries caused by an accident result in death or dismemberment, within 90 days of an accident, the Accidental Death & Dismemberment Plan pays these benefits.

For loss of:*

* Loss means: with reference to hands and feet, actual severance through or above
wrist or ankle joints; with reference to sight, entire and irrecoverable loss of sight which
cannot be restored by surgical or other means.

Enroll Now at Reasonable Rates

1. Select the total amount of coverage you want from the table below.

2. Fill out the enrollment form.

3. Mail the enrollment form and first annual payment to:

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

The above costs include a $1.00 billing fee.
Coverage greater than $50,000 will reduce to $50,000 at Age 65.
Coverage terminates at age 70.

The above costs include a $1.00 billing fee.
Coverage terminates at age 70.

Important Coverage Information

EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERMINATION
Your coverage goes into effect on the first day of the month following receipt of your enrollment form and the first annual premium payment. Members must be actively at work the date insurance is to take effect. If not, insurance will take effect when the member resumes work. Dependent must not be hospitalized on the date insurance is to take effect. If hospitalized, insurance will take effect on the day after being discharged.

Your policy continues in effect up to age 70; or the end of the period for which the last premium has been paid for you; or the date you cease being a member in good standing with a Participating Association; or the premium date coinciding with or next following the date you enter full-time active duty in the armed forces of any country or international organization; or the group policy is terminated.

EXCLUSIONS
No benefits will be paid for any loss that results from or is caused directly, indirectly, wholly or partly by:

1. suicide; or intentionally self-inflicted injury;
2. insurrection; war or act of war;
3. a physical or mental sickness, or treatment of that sickness;
4. voluntary intake of poison, drugs, gas or fumes, unless taken as prescribed by a physician;
5. committing a crime, or an attempt to do so;
6. being intoxicated or under the influence of any drug, unless prescribed by a physician;
7. flight in any type of aircraft. This item applies only to:

• the pilot, whether licensed or unlicensed; and
• the members of the crew.

This is a brief summary of benefits only and is subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of Group Policy No. G-191,820. Complete details can be found in the Certificate of Insurance, which will be sent to you when your application is approved.

Administered by:
Mass Benefits Consultants, Inc.
P.O. Box 828
Annandale, VA 22003-0828
(800) 221-3083

Underwritten by:
The United States Life Insurance Company
in the City of New York
3600 Route 66, P.O. Box 1580,
Neptune, NJ 00754-1580

United States Life is an A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, reflecting the company's superior overall financial strength and operating performance when compared to A.M. Best's standards.

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

ENROLLMENT APPLICATION

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.)

Post Office Department employees 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.

Your GEVBP Group Term Life Insurance Plan combines economical 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. You will have provided them with a no-nonsense, affordable, term life insurance plan.

Who Can Apply?
Any federal employee, under the age of 75, who is actively at work can apply. A member must be actively at work on a full-time basis 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 work. There are absolutely no restrictions based on grade level or length of service.

You can also apply for coverage for your spouse and dependent children. 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.

How much protection can I get?
You and your spouse can each apply for $50,000 to $250,000 (in $50,000 increments) (spouse cannot apply for more than the member). A spouse must be able to perform the normal activities of a person of like age and sex and like occupation or retired status on the date his insurance is to take effect. If he is not, such insurance will take effect on the day the person resumes such activities. You choose how much protection you need. For just $2.00 per quarter, you can insure ALL of your dependent children. Children ages 6 months to 23 years get $2,500 coverage each; infants age 15 days to 6 months get $500 coverage each. If the dependent might be hospitalized on the date his insurance is to take effect, the insurance will take effect on the day after he is discharged.

CHECK THESE VALUABLE FEATURES:

A Living Benefit.
This attractive benefits provision is available to members under the age of 70. If you are terminally ill, as defined by the policy, you may elect to receive an amount up to 50% (less the discount) of your group life insurance benefit. The remaining benefit then becomes payable to your beneficiary after your death.

Terminal illness is a medical condition which is expected to result in the insured person's death within 6 months and from which the insured person is not expected to recover. You are eligible for this benefit after a waiting period of 180 consecutive days. Living benefits are subject to certain exclusions which are listed in the Certificate of Insurance. Receipt of living benefits may be taxable. Consult your tax advisor for details. A physician's certification will be required and will be subject to United States Life's review and concurrence.

Affordable group rates.
The buying power of your group makes this insurance affordable.

Automatically renewable to age 75.
As long as you make your payments on time, and the master policy is in force, you can keep renewing your insurance. No more medical questions will be asked after your application is approved. (Benefits are reduced by 50% at age 70; benefits are terminated upon a member's attainment of age 75 if you are not actively at work.)

Coverage even if you change jobs or retire.
As long as you work for the Federal government, or remain a member of GEVBP, or retire under the Civil Service Retirement Act or FERS, you may keep your insurance.

INFLATION-GUARD increases.

After 6 full months of coverage, you can choose to increase the amount of your insurance and your spouse's insurance automatically by 10% a year for the next ten years or until the insured attains age 70. If you start with $50,000 of coverage in 2001, you will have $100,000 of coverage in 2011. The maximum amount of coverage that you or your spouse may have, including the Inflation Guard , is $300,000. For example, if you elect $250,000 of coverage in 2002 you'll have the maximum amount of coverage of $300,000 in 2004.

Automatic exchange privileges.
If your insurance ends for a reason other than non-payment of premium , you may buy an individual policy of permanent life insurance (other than term) from United States 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 65, all premiums after six months of continuous disability will be waived and the insurance will continue in effect.

Continuation of Insurance for surviving spouse.
If an insured member dies, the spouse may continue his amount of life insurance in effect on the date the member died. (Each child will receive $2,500 of coverage.) The appropriate premium must be paid, except that $10,000 of such amount will be continued without premium payment. Insurance will continue for two years following the date of member's death. For example, if your spouse has $60,000 of life insurance, she or he will pay for $50,000 and will get the other $10,000 at no charge.