NOTICE OF CHANGE
In The Certificate Booklet Issued to Employees of:
Mid-America Apartments, L.P.
This Notice is a summary of changes that have been made to your Booklet. These changes are effective on September 1, 2020. Keep this Notice with your Booklet.
LINCOLN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF BOSTON
Officer of the Company
AMENDMENT to be attached to and made a part of the Certificate for Group Plan No. GF3-850-289106-01 issued by LINCOLN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF BOSTON (Lincoln) to Mid-America Apartments, L.P. (Sponsor)
Effective date of this Amendment: September 1, 2020 The attached pages reflect the following revisions: Update Definition of Disability to remove reference to Pilots
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Mid-America Apartments, L.P. Employee Welfare Benefits Plan January 1, 2017
DISCLAIMER
Sponsor :
Mid-America Apartments, L.P.
Policy Number(s) :
GF3-850-289106-01
Date Provided : October 1, 2020 The following certificate(s) are a true copy of the certificate(s) issued under the policy(ies). LINCOLN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF BOSTON
Mid-America Apartments, L.P. Employee Welfare Benefits Plan
CERTIFICATE OF COVERAGE
Lincoln Life Assurance Company of Boston welcomes your employer as a client.
Sponsor:
Mid-America Apartments, L.P.
Plan Number:
GF3-850-289106-01
Effective Date: January 1, 2017 When this plan refers to "you" or "your" it means the Employee insured under this plan. This is your Disability Income certificate of coverage as long as you are eligible for insurance and remain insured. A few words about this certificate of coverage... It is written in plain English. A few terms and provisions are written as required by insurance law. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY . If you have any questions about any terms and provisions, please contact the Insurance Administrator at your work location or write to Lincoln. Lincoln will assist you in any way we can to help you understand your benefits. Also, if the terms of your certificate of coverage and the policy differ, the policy will govern. Your coverage may be terminated or modified in whole or in part under the terms and provisions of the policy.
PRESIDENT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS
SECTION 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DEFINITIONS
SECTION 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ELIGIBILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATES
SECTION 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS
SECTION 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EXCLUSIONS
SECTION 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TERMINATION PROVISIONS
SECTION 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENERAL PROVISIONS
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Table of Contents
SECTION 1 - SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR INSURANCE BENEFITS What is the Minimum Hourly Requirement?
Employees working a minimum of 30 regularly scheduled hours per week
Who is Eligible for Long Term Disability Benefits? Class 1: All active, full-time Employees Note: This policy does not cover the following Employees: Temporary and Seasonal Employees, and Employees who are not legal residents working in the United States.
What is the Eligibility Waiting Period? 1.
If you are employed by the Sponsor on the policy effective date - First of the month following 90 days of continuous, Active Employment If you begin employment for the Sponsor after the policy effective date - First of the month following 90 days of continuous, Active Employment
2.
Are Employee Contributions Required? No
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Schedule of Benefits
SECTION 1 - SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE
What is the Elimination Period? The greater of:
a. the end of your Short Term Disability Benefits; or b. 180 days
What is the Amount of Insurance Benefits? 60.00% of Basic Monthly Earnings not to exceed a Maximum Monthly Benefit of $10,000.00 less Other Income Benefits and Other Income Earnings as outlined in Section 4.
$16,666.67
What is the Maximum Basic Monthly Earnings on which the Benefit is Based?
What is the Own Occupation Duration? 24 Month Own Occupation
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Schedule of Benefits
SECTION 1 - SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued)
What is the Minimum Monthly Benefit? The Minimum Monthly Benefit is $100.00 or 10.00% of your Gross Monthly Benefit, whichever is greater.
What is the Maximum Benefit Period?
Age at Disability
Maximum Benefit Period
Less than age 60
To age 65 (but not less than 5 years)
60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68
60 months 48 months 42 months 36 months 30 months 24 months 21 months 18 months 15 months 12 months
69 and over
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Schedule of Benefits
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS
In this section Lincoln defines some basic terms needed to understand this plan. "Active Employment" means you must be actively at work for the Sponsor: 1. on a full-time basis and paid regular earnings; 2. for at least the minimum number of hours shown in the Schedule of Benefits; and either perform such work: a. at the Sponsor's usual place of business; or b. at a location to which the Sponsor's business requires you to travel. You will be considered actively at work if you were actually at work on the day immediately preceding: 1. a weekend (except where one or both of these days are scheduled work days); 2. holidays (except when the holiday is a scheduled work day); 3. paid vacations; 4. any non-scheduled work day; 5. an excused leave of absence (except medical leave for your own disabling condition and lay-off); and 6. an emergency leave of absence (except emergency medical leave for your own disabling condition). "Administrative Office" Lincoln Life Assurance Company of Boston, 100 Liberty Way, Suite 100, Dover, New Hampshire 03820-4695.
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Definitions
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS (Continued)
"Any Occupation" means any occupation that you are or become reasonably fitted by training, education, experience, age, physical and mental capacity. "Appropriate Available Treatment" means care or services which are: 1. generally acknowledged by Physicians to cure, correct, limit, treat or manage the disabling condition; 2. accessible within your geographical region; 3. provided by a Physician who is licensed and qualified in a discipline suitable to treat the disabling Injury or Sickness; 4. in accordance with generally accepted medical standards of practice. "Basic Monthly Earnings" means the Covered Person's monthly rate of earnings including the average monthly commissions and bonuses paid by the Sponsor for the calendar year prior to the date of Disability or Partial Disability begins. If the Covered Person was not employed by the Sponsor during the prior calendar year, commissions and bonuses will be averaged over the period of employment prior to the date Disability or Partial Disability began. "Consumer Price Index" means the government publication "The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers" provided monthly by the U.S. Department of Labor, or its successor or in the event of no successor a similar Index of comparable purpose chosen by Lincoln.
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Definitions
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS (Continued)
"Disability" or "Disabled" means: i. that during the Elimination Period and the next 24 months of Disability you, as a result of Injury or Sickness, are unable to perform the Material and Substantial Duties of your Own Occupation; and ii. thereafter, you are unable to perform, with reasonable continuity, the Material and Substantial Duties of Any Occupation. "Disability Benefits under a Retirement Plan" means money which: 1. is payable under a Retirement Plan due to Disability as defined in that plan; and 2. does not reduce the amount of money which would have been paid as retirement benefits at the normal retirement age under the plan if the Disability had not occurred. (If the payment does cause such a reduction, it will be deemed a Retirement Benefit as defined in this plan.)
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Definitions
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS (Continued)
"Eligibility Date" means the date you become eligible for insurance under this plan. The Eligibility Requirements are shown in the Schedule of Benefits.
"Eligible Survivor" means your spouse, if living, otherwise your children under age 25.
"Eligibility Waiting Period" means the continuous length of time you must be in Active Employment in an eligible class to reach your Eligibility Date. "Elimination Period" means a period of consecutive days of Disability or Partial Disability for which no benefit is payable. The Elimination Period is shown in the Schedule of Benefits and begins on the first day of Disability. If you return to work for any thirty or fewer days during the Elimination Period and cannot continue, Lincoln will count only those days you are Disabled or Partially Disabled to satisfy the Elimination Period. "Employee" means a person in Active Employment with the Sponsor. "Enrollment Form" is the document completed by you, if required, when enrolling for coverage. This form must be satisfactory to Lincoln.
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Definitions
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS (Continued)
"Extended Treatment Plan" means continued care that is consistent with the American Psychiatric Association's standard principles of Treatment, and is in lieu of confinement in a Hospital or Institution. It must be approved in writing by a Physician. "Family and Medical Leave" means a leave of absence for the birth, adoption or foster care of a child, or for the care of your child, spouse or parent or for your own serious health condition as those terms are defined by the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) and any amendments, or by applicable state law. "Gross Monthly Benefit" means your Monthly Benefit before any reduction for Other Income Benefits and Other Income Earnings. "Hospital" or "Institution" means a facility licensed to provide Treatment for the condition causing your Disability.
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Definitions
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS (Continued)
"Indexed Basic Monthly Earnings" means your Basic Monthly Earnings in effect just prior to the date Disability or Partial Disability began adjusted on the first anniversary of benefit payments and each anniversary thereafter. "Initial Enrollment Period" means one of the following periods during which you may first enroll for coverage under this plan: 1. if you are eligible for insurance on the plan effective date, a period before the plan effective date set by the Sponsor and Lincoln. 2. if you become eligible for insurance after the plan effective date, the period which ends 31 days after your Eligibility Date. "Injury" means bodily impairment resulting directly from an accident and independently of all other causes. For the purpose of determining benefits under this plan: 1. any Disability which begins more than 60 days after an Injury will be considered a Sickness; and 2. any Injury which occurs before you are covered under this plan, but which accounts for a medical condition that arises while you are covered under this plan will be treated as a Sickness. "Last Monthly Benefit" means the gross Monthly Benefit payable to you prior to your death without any reduction for earnings received from employment. "Material and Substantial Duties" means responsibilities that are normally required to perform your Own Occupation, or any other occupation, and cannot be reasonably eliminated or modified.
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Definitions
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS (Continued)
"Mental Illness" means a psychiatric or psychological condition classified as such in the most current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) regardless of the underlying cause of the Mental Illness. If the DSM is discontinued, Lincoln will use the replacement chosen or published by the American Psychiatric Association. "Monthly Benefit" means the monthly amount payable by Lincoln to you if you are Disabled or Partially Disabled. "Own Occupation" means your occupation that you were performing when your Disability or Partial Disability began. For the purposes of determining Disability under this plan, Lincoln will consider your occupation as it is normally performed in the national economy.
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Definitions
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS (Continued)
"Partial Disability" or "Partially Disabled" means you, as a result of Injury or Sickness, are able to: 1. perform one or more, but not all, of the Material and Substantial Duties of your Own Occupation or Any Occupation on an Active Employment or a part-time basis; or 2. perform all of the Material and Substantial Duties of your Own Occupation or Any Occupation on a part-time basis; and 3. earn between 20.00% and 80.00% of your Basic Monthly Earnings. "Physician" means a person who: 1. is licensed to practice medicine and is practicing within the terms of his license; or 2. is a licensed practitioner of the healing arts in a category specifically favored under the health insurance laws of the state where the Treatment is received and is practicing within the terms of his license. It does not include you, any family member or domestic partner.
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Definitions
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS (Continued)
"Proof" means the evidence in support of a claim for benefits and includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1. a claim form completed and signed (or otherwise formally submitted) by you claiming benefits; 2. an attending Physician's statement completed and signed (or otherwise formally submitted) by your attending Physician; and 3. the provision by the attending Physician of standard diagnosis, chart notes, lab findings, test results, x-rays and/or other forms of objective medical evidence in support of a claim for benefits. Proof must be submitted in a form or format satisfactory to Lincoln. "Regular Attendance" means your personal visits to a Physician which are medically necessary according to generally accepted medical standards to effectively manage and treat your Disability or Partial Disability. "Retirement Benefit under a Retirement Plan" means money which: 1. is payable under a Retirement Plan either in a lump sum or in the form of periodic payments; 2. does not represent contributions made by you (payments which represent your contributions are deemed to be received over your expected remaining life regardless of when such payments are actually received); and 3. is payable upon: a. early or normal retirement; or b. Disability, if the payment does reduce the amount of money which would have been paid under the plan at the normal retirement age.
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Definitions
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS (Continued)
"Retirement Plan" means a plan which provides retirement benefits to you and which is not funded wholly by your contributions. The term shall not include a profit-sharing plan, informal salary continuation plan, registered retirement savings plan, stock ownership plan, 401(K) or a non-qualified plan of deferred compensation. "Schedule of Benefits" means the section of this policy which shows, among other things, the Eligibility Requirements, Eligibility Waiting Period, Elimination Period, Amount of Insurance, Minimum Benefit, and Maximum Benefit Period. "Sickness" means illness, disease, pregnancy or complications of pregnancy. "Sponsor" means the entity to whom this policy is issued. "Sponsor's Retirement Plan" is deemed to include any Retirement Plan: 1. which is part of any Federal, State, Municipal or Association retirement system; or 2. for which you are eligible as a result of employment with the Sponsor.
"Substance Abuse" means alcohol and/or drug abuse, addiction or dependency.
"Treatment" means consulting, receiving care or services provided by or under the direction of a Physician including diagnostic measures, being prescribed drugs and/or medicines, whether you choose to take them or not, and taking drugs and/or medicines.
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Definitions
SECTION 3 - ELIGIBILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATES
Who is Eligible for Coverage? The eligibility requirements for insurance benefits are shown in the Schedule of Benefits. What is Your Eligibility Date for Insurance Benefits? If you are in an eligible class you will qualify for insurance on the later of: 1. this plan's effective date; or 2. the day after you complete the Eligibility Waiting Period shown in the Schedule of Benefits.
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Eligibility and Effective Dates
SECTION 3 - ELIGIBILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATES (Continued)
What is Your Effective Date of Insurance? Your insurance will be effective at 12:01 A.M. Standard Time in the governing jurisdiction on the day determined as follows, but only if your application or enrollment for insurance is made with Lincoln through the Sponsor in a form or format satisfactory to Lincoln.
You will be insured on your Eligibility Date.
When will Your Effective Date of Insurance be Delayed? Your effective date of any initial, increased or additional insurance will be delayed if you are not in Active Employment because of Injury or Sickness. The initial, increased or additional insurance will begin on the date you return to Active Employment.
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Eligibility and Effective Dates
SECTION 3 - ELIGIBILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATES (Continued)
What Happens to Your Coverage During a Family and Medical Leave? Your coverage may be continued under this plan for an approved family or medical leave of absence for up to 12 weeks following the date coverage would have terminated, subject to the following: 1. the authorized leave is in writing; 2. the required premium is paid; 3. your benefit level, or the amount of earnings upon which your benefit may be based, will be that in effect on the date before the leave begins; and 4. continuation of coverage will cease immediately if any one of the following events should occur:
a. you return to work; b. this plan terminates; c. you are no longer in an eligible class; d. nonpayment of premium when due by the Sponsor or you; e. your employment terminates.
Family and Medical Leave Eligibility and Effective Dates
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SECTION 3 - ELIGIBILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATES (Continued)
Leave of Absence The Sponsor may continue your coverage(s) by paying the required premiums, if you are given a leave of absence. Your coverage will not continue beyond a period of six months. In continuing such coverage under this provision, the Sponsor agrees to treat all covered Employees equally. Lay-off The Sponsor may continue your coverage(s) by paying the required premiums, if you are temporarily laid off. Your coverage will not continue beyond the end of the month in which the layoff begins. In continuing such coverage under this provision, the Sponsor agrees to treat all covered Employees equally.
Leave of Absence/Lay-off Eligibility and Effective Dates
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SECTION 3 - ELIGIBILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATES (Continued)
What Happens if There is a Transfer of Insurance Carriers? In order to prevent loss of coverage for you because of transfer of insurance carriers, this plan will provide coverage for you as follows: If You are not in Active Employment Due to Injury or Sickness Subject to premium payments, this plan will cover you if: 1. at the time of transfer you were covered under the prior carrier's plan; and 2. you are not in Active Employment due to Injury or Sickness on the effective date of this plan. Benefits will be determined based on the lesser of: 1. the amount of the Disability benefit that would have been payable under the prior plan and subject to any applicable plan limitations; or 2. the amount of Disability benefits payable under this plan. If benefits are payable under the prior plan for the Disability, no benefits are payable under this plan. If You are Disabled Due to a Pre-Existing Condition If you were insured under the prior carrier's plan at the time of transfer and were in Active Employment and insured under this plan on its effective date, benefits may be payable for a Disability due to a Pre-Existing Condition. If you can satisfy this plan's Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion, the benefit will be determined according to this plan. If you cannot satisfy this plan's Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion, then: 1. Lincoln will apply the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion of the prior carrier's plan; and 2. if you would have satisfied the prior carrier's pre-existing condition exclusion, giving consideration towards continuous time coverage under this plan and the prior carrier's plan, the benefit will be determined according to this plan. However, the Maximum Monthly Benefit amount payable under this plan shall not exceed the maximum monthly benefit payable under the prior carrier's plan. No benefit will be paid if you cannot satisfy the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions of either plan.
Transfer Provision
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Eligibility and Effective Dates
SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE Disability Benefit When is Your Disability Benefit Payable?
When Lincoln receives Proof that you are Disabled due to Injury or Sickness and require the Regular Attendance of a Physician, Lincoln will pay you a Monthly Benefit after the end of the Elimination Period, subject to any other provisions of this plan. The benefit will be paid for the period of Disability if you give to Lincoln Proof of continued: 1. Disability; 2. Regular Attendance of a Physician; and 3. Appropriate Available Treatment. The Proof must be given upon Lincoln's request and at your expense. In determining whether you are Disabled, Lincoln will not consider employment factors including, but not limited to, interpersonal conflict in the workplace, recession, job obsolescence, paycuts, job sharing and loss of a professional or occupational license or certification. For purposes of determining Disability, the Injury must occur and Disability must begin while you are insured for this coverage. The Monthly Benefit will not: 1. exceed your Amount of Insurance; or 2. be paid for longer than the Maximum Benefit Period. The Amount of Insurance and the Maximum Benefit Period are shown in the Schedule of Benefits. Amount of Disability Monthly Benefit To figure the amount of your Monthly Benefit: 1. Take the lesser of: a. your Basic Monthly Earnings multiplied by the benefit percentage shown in the Schedule of Benefits; or b. the Maximum Monthly Benefit shown in the Schedule of Benefits; and then 2. Deduct Other Income Benefits and Other Income Earnings, (shown in the Other Income Benefits and Other Income Earnings provision of this policy), from this amount. The Monthly Benefit payable will not be less than the Minimum Monthly Benefit shown in the Schedule of Benefits. However, if an overpayment is due to Lincoln, the Minimum Monthly Benefit otherwise payable under this provision will be applied toward satisfying the overpayment.
Long Term Disability Standard Integration
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SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued)
Partial Disability
When is Your Partial Disability Benefit Payable? When Lincoln receives Proof that you are Partially Disabled and have experienced a loss of earnings due to Injury or Sickness and require the Regular Attendance of a Physician, you may be eligible to receive a Monthly Benefit, subject to any other provisions of this plan. To be eligible to receive Partial Disability benefits, you may be employed in your Own Occupation or another occupation, must satisfy the Elimination Period and must be earning between 20.00% and 80.00% of your Basic Monthly Earnings. A Monthly Benefit will be paid for the period of Partial Disability if you give to Lincoln Proof of continued: 1. Partial Disability; 2. Regular Attendance of a Physician; and 3. Appropriate Available Treatment. The Proof must be given upon Lincoln's request and at your expense. In determining whether you are Partially Disabled, Lincoln will not consider employment factors including, but not limited to, interpersonal conflict in the workplace, recession, job obsolescence, paycuts, job sharing and loss of a professional or occupational license or certification. For purposes of determining Partial Disability, the Injury must occur and Partial Disability must begin while you are insured for this coverage. How is Your Loss of Earnings Partial Disability Benefit Figured using the Proportionate with Work Incentive Monthly Calculation? For the first 24 Months, the work incentive benefit will be an amount equal to your Basic Monthly Earnings multiplied by the benefit percentage shown in the Schedule of Benefits, without any reductions from earnings. The work incentive benefit will only be reduced, if the Monthly Benefit payable plus any earnings exceed 100% of your Basic Monthly Earnings. If the combined total is more, the Monthly Benefit will be reduced by the excess amount so that the Monthly Benefit plus your earnings does not exceed 100% of your Basic Monthly Earnings. Thereafter, to figure the amount of Monthly Benefit the formula (A divided by B) x C will be used. A = Your Basic Monthly Earnings minus your earnings received while you are Partially Disabled. This figure represents the amount of lost earnings. B = Your Basic Monthly Earnings. C = The Monthly Benefit as figured in the Disability provision of this plan plus your earnings received while you are Partially Disabled, (but, not including adjustments under the Cost of Living Adjustment Benefit, if included).
Long Term Partial Disability with Work Incentive
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Proportionate Loss
SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued) Partial Disability (Continued)
How is Your Loss of Earnings Partial Disability Benefit Figured using the Proportionate Loss with Work Incentive Monthly Calculation (Continued) On the first anniversary of benefit payments and each anniversary thereafter, for the purpose of calculating the benefit, the term "Basic Monthly Earnings" is: 1. replaced by "Indexed Basic Monthly Earnings"; and 2. increased annually by 7.00%, or the current annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. The Monthly Benefit payable will not be less than the Minimum Monthly Benefit shown in the Schedule of Benefits. However, if an overpayment is due to Lincoln, the Minimum Monthly Benefit otherwise payable under this provision will be applied toward satisfying the overpayment.
Long Term Partial Disability with Work Incentive
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Proportionate Loss
SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued)
Mental Illness and/or Substance Abuse Limitation
What Limitations will Apply for Mental Illness and/or Substance Abuse? The benefit for Disability due to Mental Illness and/or Substance Abuse will not exceed a period of 24 months of Monthly Benefit payments while you are insured under this plan. If you are in a Hospital or Institution for Mental Illness and/or Substance Abuse at the end of the period of 24 months, the Monthly Benefit will be paid during the confinement. If you are not confined in a Hospital or Institution for Mental Illness and/or Substance Abuse, but are fully participating in an Extended Treatment Plan for the condition that caused Disability, the Monthly Benefit will be payable to you for up to a period of 36 months. In no event will the Monthly Benefit be payable beyond the Maximum Benefit Period shown in the Schedule of Benefits.
Long Term Disability
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Mental Illness/Substance Abuse Limitation
SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued) Rehabilitation Incentive Benefit When is Your Rehabilitation Incentive Benefit Payable?
Lincoln will pay an increased Monthly Benefit while you are fully participating in a Rehabilitation Program. Lincoln must first approve the Rehabilitation Program in writing before you can be considered for this benefit. If Lincoln does not approve a Rehabilitation Program, the regular Disability benefit will be payable provided you are Disabled under the terms of this plan. To be eligible for a Rehabilitation Incentive Benefit, you must: 1. be Disabled and receiving benefits under this plan; 2. based on medical evidence, you would benefit from participation in an approved Rehabilitation Program; and 3. be fully participating in a Rehabilitation Program approved by Lincoln. What is Your Increased Monthly Benefit? If you are eligible for a Rehabilitation Incentive Benefit, the benefit percentage, shown in the Schedule of Benefits, will be increased by 10.00%. The increased benefit will begin on the first day of the month after Lincoln receives written Proof of your full participation in the Rehabilitation Program. What is Your Decreased Monthly Benefit? If you, at any time, decline to fully participate in an approved Rehabilitation Program recommended by Lincoln, the benefit percentage shown in the Schedule of Benefits will be reduced by 20.00% beginning on the first day of the month following your declination to fully participate in the approved Rehabilitation Program. If Lincoln recommends rehabilitation, benefits will be paid at the reduced amount from the date recommendation is made until Lincoln receives your written agreement to fully participate in the Rehabilitation Program.
When will Your Rehabilitation Incentive Benefit be Discontinued? The Rehabilitation Incentive Benefit will cease:
1. when you are no longer fully participating in a Rehabilitation Program approved by Lincoln; 2. in accordance with the provision[s] entitled “When will Your Long Term Disability Benefit Be Discontinued?”; or 3. when the Rehabilitation Program ends.
Long Term Disability
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Rehabilitation
SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued) Rehabilitation Incentive Benefit (Continued)
For the purpose of this provision, "Rehabilitation Program" means a comprehensive individually tailored, goal oriented program to return you, if you are Disabled, to gainful employment. The services offered may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. physical therapy; 2. occupational therapy; 3. work hardening programs; 4. functional capacity evaluations; 5. psychological and vocational counseling;
6. rehabilitative employment; and 7. vocational rehabilitation services.
Long Term Disability
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Rehabilitation
SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued)
Three month Survivor Benefit
What Happens to Your Benefit if You Die? Lincoln will pay a lump sum benefit to the Eligible Survivor when Proof is received that you died: 1. after Disability had continued for 180 or more consecutive days; and 2. while receiving a Monthly Benefit. The lump sum benefit will be an amount equal to three times your Last Monthly Benefit. If the survivor benefit is payable to your children, payment will be made in equal shares to the children, including step children and legally adopted children. However, if any of said children are minors or incapacitated, payment will be made on their behalf to the court appointed guardian of the children's property. This payment will be valid and effective against all claims by others representing or claiming to represent the children. If there is no Eligible Survivor, the benefit is payable to the estate. If an overpayment is due to Lincoln at the time of your death, the benefit payable under this provision will be applied toward satisfying the overpayment.
Long Term Disability 3 Month Survivor
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SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued) Workplace Modification Benefit
When is Your Workplace Modification Benefit Payable? If you are Disabled or Partially Disabled and receiving a benefit from Lincoln, a benefit may be payable to the Sponsor as part of your benefit for modifications to the workplace to accommodate your return to work or to assist you in remaining at work. Lincoln will reimburse the Sponsor for up to 100% of reasonable costs the Sponsor incurs for the modification, up to the greater of:
1. $1,000.00; or 2. the equivalent of 2 months of your Monthly Benefit.
To qualify for this benefit: 1. the Disability or Partial Disability must prevent you from performing some or all of the Material and Substantial Duties of your occupation; and 2. any proposed modifications must be approved in writing and signed by you, the Sponsor and Lincoln; and 3. the Sponsor must agree to make the modifications to the workplace to reasonably accommodate your return to work or to assist you in remaining at work. The Sponsor's costs for the approved modifications will be reimbursed after: 1. the proposed modifications have been made; and 2. written proof of the expenses incurred by the Sponsor has been provided to Lincoln; and 3. Lincoln has received proof that you have returned to and/or remain at work.
Long Term Disability Workplace Modification
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SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued) Other Income Benefits and Other Income Earnings
What are Your Other Income Benefits and Other Income Earnings? Other Income Benefits means:
1. The amount for which you are eligible under: a. Workers' or Workmen's Compensation Laws; b. Occupational Disease Law; c. Title 46, United States Code Section 688 (The Jones Act); d. any work loss provision in mandatory "No-Fault" auto insurance; e. Railroad Retirement Act; f. any governmental compulsory benefit act or law; or g. any other act or law of like intent. 2. The amount of any Disability benefits which you are eligible to receive under: a. any other group insurance plan of the Sponsor;
b. any governmental retirement system as a result of your employment with the Sponsor; or c. any individual insurance plan where the premium is wholly or partially paid by the Sponsor. However, Lincoln will only reduce the Monthly Benefit if your Monthly Benefit under this plan, plus any benefits that you are eligible to receive under such individual insurance plan exceed 100% of your Basic Monthly Earnings. If this sum exceeds 100% of Basic Monthly Earnings, your Monthly Benefit under this plan will be reduced by such excess amount. 3. The amount of benefits you receive under the Sponsor's Retirement Plan as follows: a. the amount of any Disability Benefits under a Retirement Plan, or Retirement Benefits under a Retirement Plan you voluntarily elect to receive as retirement payment under the Sponsor's Retirement Plan; and b. the amount you receive as retirement payments when you reach the later of age 62, or normal retirement age as defined in the Sponsor's plan. 4. The amount of Disability and/or Retirement Benefits under the United States Social Security Act, the Canada Pension Plan, the Quebec Pension Plan, or any similar plan or act, which: a. you receive or are eligible to receive; and b. your spouse, child or children receive or are eligible to receive because of your Disability; or c. your spouse, child or children receive or are eligible to receive because of your eligibility for retirement benefits. 5. Any amount you receive from any unemployment benefits.
Long Term Disability Primary and Family Integration Other Income Benefits and Other Income Earnings
ADOC-LTD-24
SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued) Other Income Benefits and Other Income Earnings (Continued) What are Your Other Income Benefits and Other Income Earnings? (Continued) Other Income Earnings means:
1. the amount of earnings you earn or receive from any form of employment including severance; and 2. any amount you receive from any formal or informal sick leave or salary continuation plan(s). Other Income Benefits, except retirement benefits, must be payable as a result of the same Disability for which Lincoln pays a benefit. The sum of Other Income Benefits and Other Income Earnings will be deducted in accordance with the provisions of this policy.
Long Term Disability Primary and Family Integration Other Income Benefits and Other Income Earnings
ADOC-LTD-25
SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued) Estimation of Benefits How will Your Benefits be Estimated?
Lincoln will reduce your Disability or Partial Disability benefits by the amount of Other Income Benefits that we estimate are payable to you and your dependents. Your Disability benefit will not be reduced by the estimated amount of Other Income Benefits if you: 1. provide satisfactory proof of application for Other Income Benefits; 2. sign a reimbursement agreement under which, in part, you agree to repay Lincoln for any overpayment resulting from the award or receipt of Other Income Benefits; 3. if applicable, provide satisfactory proof that all appeals for Other Income Benefits have been made on a timely basis to the highest administrative level unless Lincoln determines that further appeals are not likely to succeed; and 4. if applicable, submit satisfactory proof that Other Income Benefits have been denied at the highest administrative level unless Lincoln determines that further appeals are not likely to succeed. Lincoln will not estimate or reduce for any benefits under the Sponsor's pension or retirement benefit plan according to applicable law, until you actually receive them. In the event that Lincoln overestimates the amount payable to you from any plans referred to in the Other Income Benefits and Other Income Earnings provision of this plan, Lincoln will reimburse you for such amount upon receipt of written proof of the amount of Other Income Benefits awarded (whether by compromise, settlement, award or judgement) or denied (after appeal through the highest administrative level). When May Lincoln Provide Social Security Assistance? Lincoln may help you in applying for Social Security Disability Income Benefits. In order to be eligible for assistance you must be receiving a Monthly Benefit from Lincoln. Such assistance will be provided only if Lincoln determines that assistance would be beneficial.
Long Term Disability
ADOC-LTD-26
Estimation of Benefits and Social Security Assistance
SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued) What Happens if You Receive a Lump Sum Payment? Other Income Benefits from a compromise, settlement, award or judgement which are paid to you in a lump sum and are meant to compensate you for any one or more of the following: 1. loss of past or future wages; 2. impaired earnings capacity; 3. lessened ability to compete in the open labor market; 4. any degree of permanent impairment; and 5. any degree of loss of bodily function or capacity; will be prorated on a monthly basis as follows: 1. over the period of time such benefits would have been paid if not in a lump sum; or 2. if such period of time cannot be determined, the lesser of: a. the remainder of the Maximum Benefit Period; or b. 5 years. What Happens if You Receive any Cost of Living Increases? After the first deduction for each of the Other Income Benefits, the Monthly Benefit will not be further reduced due to any cost of living increases payable under the Other Income Benefits and Other Income Earnings provision of this plan. This provision does not apply to increases received from any form of employment. What Happens if Your Benefit Period is Less than a Month? For any period for which a Long Term Disability benefit is payable that does not extend through a full month, the benefit will be paid on a prorated basis. The rate will be 1/30th for each day for such period of Disability. When will Your Long Term Disability Benefits be Discontinued? The Monthly Benefit will cease on the earliest of: 1. the date you fail to provide Proof of continued Disability or Partial Disability and Regular Attendance of a Physician; 2. the date you fail to cooperate in the administration of the claim. Such cooperation includes, but is not limited to, providing any information or documents needed to determine whether benefits are payable or the actual benefit amount due;
ADOC-LTD-27
Long Term Disability
SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued) When will Your Long Term Disability Benefits be Discontinued? (Continued) The Monthly Benefit will cease on the earliest of: (Continued) 3. the date you refuse to be examined or evaluated at reasonable intervals; 4. the date you refuse to receive Appropriate Available Treatment; 5. the date you refuse a job with the Sponsor where workplace modifications or accommodations were made to allow you to perform the Material and Substantial Duties of the job; 6. the date you are able to work in your Own Occupation on a part-time basis, but choose not to; 7. the date your current Partial Disability earnings exceed 80.00% of your Indexed Basic Monthly Earnings; Because your current earnings may fluctuate, Lincoln will average earnings over three consecutive months rather than immediately terminating your benefit once 80.00% of Indexed Basic Monthly Earnings has been exceeded. 8. the date you are no longer Disabled according to this plan; 9. the end of the Maximum Benefit Period; or 10. the date you die.
ADOC-LTD-28
Long Term Disability
SECTION 4 - DISABILITY INCOME BENEFITS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE (Continued) Successive Periods of Disability What Happens if You Return to Work and Become Disabled Again? With respect to this plan, "Successive Periods of Disability" means a Disability which is related or due to the same cause(s) as a prior Disability for which a Monthly Benefit was payable. A Successive Period of Disability will be treated as part of the prior Disability if, after receiving Disability benefits under this plan, you: 1. return to your Own Occupation on an Active Employment basis for less than six continuous months; and 2. perform all the Material and Substantial Duties of your Own Occupation. To qualify for the Successive Periods of Disability benefit, you must experience more than a 20% loss of Basic Monthly Earnings. Benefit payments will be subject to the terms of this plan for the prior Disability. If you return to your Own Occupation on an Active Employment basis for six continuous months or more, the Successive Period of Disability will be treated as a new period of Disability. You must complete another Elimination Period. If you become eligible for coverage under any other group long term disability coverage, this Successive Periods of Disability provision will cease to apply to you.
Long Term Disability Successive Disability
ADOC-LTD-29
SECTION 5 - EXCLUSIONS
GENERAL EXCLUSIONS
What Disabilities are Not Covered? This plan will not cover any Disability due to: 1. war, declared or undeclared, or any act of war; 2. intentionally self-inflicted injuries, while sane or insane; 3. active Participation in a Riot; 4. the committing of or attempting to commit a felony or misdemeanor; 5. cosmetic surgery unless such surgery is in connection with an Injury or Sickness sustained while you are covered under this plan; or 6. a gender change, including, but not limited to, any operation, drug therapy or any other procedure related to a gender change. No benefit will be payable during any period of incarceration. With respect to this provision, Participation shall include promoting, inciting, conspiring to promote or incite, aiding, abetting, and all forms of taking part in, but shall not include actions taken in defense of public or private property, or actions taken in your defense, if such actions of defense are not taken against persons seeking to maintain or restore law and order including, but not limited to police officers and fire fighters. With respect to this provision, Riot shall include all forms of public violence, disorder or disturbance of the public peace, by three or more persons assembled together, whether or not acting with a common intent and whether or not damage to persons or property or unlawful act or acts is the intent or the consequence of such disorder.
ADOC-EXC-1
General Exclusions
SECTION 5 - EXCLUSIONS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE
Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion
What Other Disabilities are Not Covered? This plan will not cover any Disability or Partial Disability:
1. which is caused or contributed to by, or results from, a Pre-Existing Condition; and 2. which begins in the first 12 months immediately after your effective date of coverage. "Pre-Existing Condition" means a condition resulting from an Injury or Sickness for which you were diagnosed or received Treatment within three months prior to your effective date of coverage.
Long Term Disability 3-12 Pre-Existing Exclusions
ADOC-EXC-5
SECTION 6 - TERMINATION PROVISIONS
When will Your Insurance End? You will cease to be insured on the earliest of the following dates: 1.
the date this plan terminates, but without prejudice to any claim originating prior to the time of termination; 2. the date you are no longer in an eligible class; 3. the date your class is no longer included for insurance; 4. the date employment terminates. Cessation of Active Employment will be deemed termination of employment, except the insurance will be continued for an Employee absent due to Disability during: a. the Elimination Period; and b. any period during which premium is being waived. 5. the date you cease active work due to a labor dispute, including any strike, work slowdown, or lockout. Lincoln reserves the right to review and terminate all classes insured under this plan if any class(es) cease(s) to be covered.
ADOC-TER-1
Termination Provisions
SECTION 6 - TERMINATION PROVISIONS (Continued)
LONG TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE
Conversion Privilege
When are You Eligible for the Conversion Privilege? When your employment terminates with the Sponsor and you are no longer insured under this plan, you may be eligible to convert and become insured under Lincoln's Group Disability Conversion Policy without submitting Evidence of Insurability.
How will You Become Eligible for Group Disability Conversion Insurance? To be eligible to purchase group disability conversion insurance, you:
1. must have been insured under this plan for 12 consecutive months immediately prior to termination of your employment. The time insured under this plan as well as the one it replaced, if any, will be considered in determining your eligibility to convert to Lincoln's Group Disability Conversion Policy; and 2. you must apply for the group disability conversion insurance and submit the first quarterly premium to Lincoln within 31 days after termination of coverage under this plan due to termination of employment. What Benefits will be Available Under Lincoln's Group Disability Conversion Policy? If you are eligible to convert to Lincoln's Group Disability Conversion Policy, the Disability benefits and amount of Disability coverage you will be eligible to receive will be determined by Lincoln in accordance with its established underwriting guidelines. The Disability benefits and amount of Disability coverage may not be the same as you were eligible to receive under this plan. When are You Ineligible for the Conversion Privilege? An individual may be ineligible for this Conversion Privilege if: 1. your coverage under this plan ceases for any of the following reasons: a. this plan terminates; b. this plan is amended to exclude from coverage the class of Employees to which you belong; c. you no longer belong to a class of Employees eligible for coverage under this plan; d. you retire (when you receive payment from any employer's Retirement Policy as recognition of past services or have concluded your working career); e. you fail to pay any required premiums, when due; 2. you are or become eligible for long term disability coverage under another group plan within 31 days after termination of employment; 3. you are Disabled or Partially Disabled under the terms of this plan; 4. you recover from a Disability and do not return to work for the Sponsor; 5. you are not in Active Employment due to an Injury, Sickness or Mental Illness; or 6. you are on a Leave of Absence.
Long Term Disability
ADOC-TER-2
Conversion Privilege - Termination Provisions
SECTION 7 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Is Assignment Allowed? No assignment of any present or future right or benefit under this policy will be allowed. How will Lincoln Conform With State Statutes? Any provision of this plan which, on its effective date, is in conflict with the statutes of the governing jurisdiction of this plan is hereby amended to conform to the minimum requirements of such statute. What are Lincoln's Examination Rights? Lincoln, at its own expense, may have the right and opportunity to have the claimant, whose Injury or Sickness is the basis of a claim, examined or evaluated at reasonable intervals deemed necessary by Lincoln. This right may be used as often as reasonably required. Who has the Authority for Interpretation of this Plan? Lincoln shall possess the authority, in its sole discretion, to construe the terms of this plan and to determine benefit eligibility hereunder. Lincoln's decisions regarding construction of the terms of this plan and benefit eligibility shall be conclusive and binding. When can this Plan be Contested? The validity of this plan shall not be contested, except for non-payment of premiums, after it has been in force for two years from the date of issue. The validity of this plan shall not be contested on the basis of a statement made relating to insurability by you after such insurance has been in force for two years during your lifetime, and shall not be contested unless the statement is contained in a written instrument signed by you.
When can Legal Proceedings Begin? A claimant or the claimant's authorized representative cannot begin any legal action: 1. until 60 days after Proof of claim has been given; or 2. more than three years after the time Proof of claim is required. What Happens if Your Age is Misstated?
If your age has been misstated, an equitable adjustment will be made in the premium. If the amount of the benefit is dependent upon your age, the amount of the benefit will be the amount you would have been entitled to if your correct age were known. A refund of premium will not be made for a period more than 12 months before the date Lincoln is advised of the error.
ADOC-GNP-1.1
General Provisions
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