PLAN OVERVIEW

The United States Department of Agriculture Employee Services and Recreation Association (ESRA) is one of the largest employee associations of its kind in the country. ESRA serves over 12,000 USDA employees in the Washington, D.C. metro area and an additional 100,000 employees nationwide.

Formed in 1906, the Associate provides a variety of services and programs to USDA employees. ESRA is a nonprofit association and is totally self-funded. Governance is provided by a Board of Directors who are USDA employees and represent all the agencies within the Department. Board members are selected by their agencies and are allowed time from their regular jobs to serve as volunteers and perform their duties for the betterment of their fellow employees.

Day-to-day operations are carried out by a full-time staff paid for from the various revenue sources of the Association. No funding is provided by USDA. Staff are not federal employees. In 1993, ESRA received the Eastwood Award from the National Employee Services & Recreation Association as the best employee services organization in the country. For a complete list of the services and information available, visit the ESRA website.

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, Medicare, or Medicaid cover few if any long-term care expenses. Long-term care costs average over $50,000 per year and may be more depending on where you live. Have you considered how these high costs would impact your and/or your spouses financial situation?

The USDA/ESRA 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).

Up to $250,000 of Protection at Affordable Group Rates

Protect your family against the losses that may result from an Accident. There are no health questions and your premium does not go up with age. Acceptance is automatic!

For the wise man or woman, inexpensive Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance provides security and peace of mind. When income is lost because of covered accidental injury or death, AD&D provides a monetary bridge for families to get them through the troubled times. It can help compensate for a major decline in lifestyle and income as a result of a covered injury or it can provide a critical source of emergency funds to survivors in the event of an accidental death.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance offers the extra coverage you and your family need to meet and overcome sudden unexpected problems.

Up to $250,000 of Coverage!
You and your spouse are eligible to enroll in the USDA/ESRA sponsored AD&D plan for benefits up to $250,000 at very affordable rates! Under this plan you are covered 24-hours a day anywhere in the world, whether you are at home, at work, or on vacation. You are also covered when traveling on business or for pleasure, including when you are flying as a passenger (but not as a crew member or pilot) on any commercial aircraft licensed to carry passengers, except aircraft owned, leased or operated by or on behalf of your employer. Each of your children may also be insured for AD&D benefits. And these benefits are payable in addition to any other insurance you have.

Additional Benefits
The following benefits are designed to provide you and your family with extra protection and are payable in addition to AD&D benefits.

Double Benefits for Common Carrier
If you or your covered dependents are injured while riding as a passenger on a common carrier, the amount of principal sum payable under the AD&D benefit will be doubled, to a maximum of $250,000. A common carrier is a vehicle operated by a business organization and licensed to transport passengers for hire, and operated by an employee of that business.

Seat Belt Benefit
If you suffer a loss payable under the Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit, the plan will pay an additional benefit of 10% of the AD&D benefit amount payable, to a maximum amount of $10,000 if injury occurred: while you were a passenger in or the licensed operator of a registered automobile and while wearing a Seat Belt, as verified in the police accident report.

This benefit does not cover loss if you are operating the automobile under the influence of any intoxicant, excitant, hallucinogen, narcotic or other drug, or similar substance as verified in the police accident report.

Permanent Total Disability Benefit
Pays a monthly benefit of 1% of the AD&D benefit amount, 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 prior to age 70, the disability began within 365 days of the accident, the disability continued without interruption for 12 months and is expected to continue uninterrupted throughout the covered person's lifetime.

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

Education Benefit
If your spouse and/or children are covered under this plan and the AD&D benefit is payable because of your or your covered spouse's death, the plan will pay an Education Benefit to each eligible dependent child 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 for higher learning.

The Education Benefit will be the lesser of 2% of your AD&D benefit amount 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.

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

Common Disease Benefit
If both you and your spouse die as a result of Injuries received in the same accident and the AD&D benefit is payable for each death, the benefit for your spouse will be increased to equal your AD&D benefit amount to a maximum combined benefit of $500,000.

Who is Eligible?
All active members of the USDA and their lawful spouses who are under 70 are eligible to enroll in this plan. You may also insure your unmarried dependent children who are under age 19 (age 25 if they are full-time students at school and primarily dependent upon you for support). If your spouse is also an eligible member and you both enroll, you cannot be dependents under each other's coverage. Children will be considered eligible dependents of both spouses.

Benefits for Accidental Death and 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 plan will pay:

The total limit of liability for any one person for all losses due to the same accident will not be more than 100% of the benefit amount.

Your Annual Premiums

When you choose to protect your whole family, your spouse may be covered for either 100% or 50% of your benefit. Each dependent child will be covered for 10% of your benefit amount.

The benefit amounts shown will be reduced to 70% of the original amount at age 70; to 45% at age 75; 30% at age 80; and to 15% of the original amount at age 85.

Click here for application

How to Enroll:

1. Complete Enrollment Form
2. Return with first annual payment to:
   Mass Benefits Consultants, Inc.
   USDA/ESRA Administrator
   PO Box 828
   Annadale, VA 22003

Exclusions
Loss resulting from sickness or diseases, or medical or surgical treatment of a sickness or a disease, is not covered. Loss caused by any of the following events is not covered: (a) Intentionally self-inflicted injury, suicide or attempted suicide, whether sane or insane (in Missouri, while sane); (b) War or act of war, whether declared or not; (c) Injury sustained while full-time in the armed forces of any country or international authority; (d) Injury sustained while riding on any aircraft, unless it's a civilian or public aircraft, or military transport aircraft; (e) Injury sustained while riding on any aircraft as a pilot, crew member, student pilot, flight instructor or examiner; (f) 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; (g) Injury sustained while voluntarily taking drugs which federal law prohibits dispensing without a prescription, including sedatives, narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, or hallucinogens, unless the drug is taken as prescribed or administered by a licensed physician; (h) Injury sustained while committing or attempting to commit a felony; (i) Injury sustained as a result of being legally intoxicated from the use of alcohol.

Effective Date of Coverage
Your coverage will become effective on the later to occur: the Policy Effective date or the first day of the month on or next following the date your enrollment form and premium payment are received. Dependent coverage goes into effect on the date you become insured; on the first day of the month following receipt of your dependent's enrollment form; or on the date they become eligible, whichever is latest.

Coverage will continue as long as the group policy remains in effect, you remain a member of the association and you make premium payments. In addition, coverage for your spouse and dependent children will terminate when you cease to be insured or they are no longer eligible.

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 in equal shares to the first of your survivors in the following order:

• First to your spouse
• Second, to your children
• Third, to your parents
• fourth, to your brothers and sisters

If there are no survivors in these classes, payment will be made to your estate. Benefits for loss other than life will be paid to you, and all dependent benefits are payable to you.

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.

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.)

1. Choose the amount of insurance that best suits your needs.
2. Complete the application (both pages). Be sure to answer all questions, as an application cannot be processed unless it is complete.
3. Determine your total premium amount. Make your check for the first quarterly premium payment payable to Mass Benefits.
4. Mail your completed application(s) and your check for the first premium to:
   
   Mass Benefits Consultans, Inc.
   P.O. Box 828
   Annadale, VA 22003-0828

Current Quarterly Premiums.

Quarterly premiums for members and spouses are determined by their respective ages on the effective date and each premium due date thereafter. Premium rates are current as of 5/1/09.

Age Last Birthday	Member or Spouse Quarterly Premiums per $10,000 Up to $300,000	All Children $3,000*
Under 35	$3.30	$3.00
35-39	4.40	3.00
40-44	6.60	3.00
45-49	11.20	3.00
50-54	17.40	3.00
55-59	27.80	3.00
60-64	41.90	3.00
65-69	82.30	3.00
70-74**	194.60	3.00

Quarterly premiums for members and spouses are determined by their respective ages on the effective date and at time of renewal. Rates are subject to revision on a class basis.

• All eligible children, regardless of the number of children you have, are covered for $3,000 each by one quarterly payment of $3.00.
• ** At age 70 benefits are reduced 50%. Quarterly premiums are paid at a rate of $80.89 per $5,000 and are for renewal only.
• A $2.00 administrative billing charge will be added to each quarterly premium notice.

How to figure your quarterly premium.

Member Only:	Age 33 $20,000 coverage
	Quarterly Cost: 2 x $3.30 = $6.60
Family:	Member Age 37 $30,000 coverage - 3 x $4.40 = $13.20 Spouse Age 33 $20,000 coverage - 2 x $3.30 = $ 6.60 $3,000 all children = $3.00
	Quarterly Cost: = $22.80

Effective Dates.

Your insurance will become effective on the first day of the month on or following acceptance of your application by New York Life Insurance Company, New York, NY 10010, “The Company:, provided the premium is paid within 31 days of being billed. The quarterly billing dates for this plan are October 1, January 1, April 1 and July 1. If your effective date is not one of the quarterly billing dates, your renewal premium will be pro-rated.

Health requirements.

Just complete the application form. Occasionally, due to age, amount of insurance requested, or a previous medical history, a medical examination or other medical tests at a reasonable expense to the insurance company may be requested. Remember, because you are a member of USDA/ESRA you are eligible to apply for this life insurance. However, this does not mean that you will be accepted automatically. You must qualify under the company's standards for acceptance.

Beneficiary.

You may name any beneficiary you choose (you are the automatic beneficiary for dependent coverage). Beneficiaries may be changed at any time by writing to Mass Benefits Consultants, Inc

Incontestability.

Once your insurance has been in force for two years, the company cannot contest coverage except for eligibility or failure to pay your premium. If you leave USDA for other employment, your policy will continue in force as long as your premiums are paid.

Waiver of Premium.

If you become totally and permanently disabled before you reach age 60, and are unable to earn your salary for nine consecutive months, premium payments will be waived for you and your dependents as long as the disability lasts.

Conversion Privilege.

If coverage for you, your spouse, or your children is reduced or ends for any reason (except non-payment of premium or your written request), conversion can be made for the benefit amount that ended without evidence of insurability. However, application for conversion must be made to Mass Benefits Consultants (MBC) or The Company within thirty-one days after the last day of the period for which premiums have been paid. (Contact MBC for details.)

Suicide Exclusion

If death is caused by suicide during the first two years your policy is in force, premiums will be refunded. However, no benefit payments will be made. After two years, benefits are paid no matter what the cause of death.

Missouri residents: Benefits will not be paid for suicide within the first two years of coverage if New York can show that suicide was intended at the time of application.

Termination of Coverage

You may provide written request to cancel your insurance at any time. However, coverage can continue until you reach age 75 unless you fail to pay premiums.

Spouse coverage ends when your coverage ends or when he/she reaches age 75, or ceases to be your lawful married spouse.

Coverage for children will terminate when they are no longer eligible, or if coverage for your and your spouse is terminated for any reason.

Under any circumstances of termination, coverage for a member, spouse or dependent children will continue until the end of the period for which premiums have been paid.

Right to change benefits, rates or terminate the plan

Changes to the group policy are subject to agreement between New York Life Insurance Company and the Policyholder. New York Life Insurance Company reserves the right to change the rates on any premium due date and on any date which benefits are changed. However, your rates may change only if they are changed for all others in the same class of insurance under this group policy. For example, a class of insureds is a group of people with all the same issue age and gender.

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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. 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.

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