Educating Federal Employees About Disability Insurance

Author: Wright USA
Published: 2011/05/27
Category Topic: Disability Insurance - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Raising awareness amongst Federal Employees about disability insurance and the financial consequences resulting from prolonged illness or accident.

Introduction

Main Content

Wright USA has partnered with LIFE (Life & Health Insurance Foundation for Education) to raise awareness amongst Federal Employees about the potentially devastating financial consequences resulting from prolonged illness or accident. May has been declared National Disability Insurance Awareness Month.

"An individual must maintain a steady income stream in order to provide financial stability for themselves and their family," says Glenn Clark, President of Wright USA. "Securing adequate protection against the possibility of revenue interruption should be seriously considered by every employee."

A significant number of people do not fully comprehend the magnitude of the exposure they face by not purchasing this valuable coverage," continues Mr. Clark. He points to several popular misconceptions held by many employees:

Myth 1: He/she thinks they can rely on savings or accrued sick leave until they are able to go back to work.

Reality: According to LIFE, 70% of working Americans say they couldn't make it one month without a paycheck before financial difficulties set in. Disabling injuries/illnesses often last several months or years.

Myth 2: Workers' Compensation or Social Security will provide for them if they became disabled.

Reality: According to the National Safety Council, 90% of long-term disabilities result from non-work related injuries/illnesses that don't qualify for Workers' Compensation. Two-thirds (65%) of those who apply for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) are initially declined, and those who are approved receive an average monthly benefit of just $1,065.

Myth 3: Federal Employees think they have sufficient disability coverage through OPM.

Reality: All new Federal Employees are required to wait 18 full months before any Disability Income benefits can begin. FERS benefits and SSDI will not pay for disabilities lasting 60 days to 12 months.

Myth 4: People who work don't need disability insurance as long as they have medical insurance.

Reality: Medical insurance offers protection for covered medical expenses, but doesn't protect against lost employment income from a covered disability. This is income that may be needed to cover other bills, such as a mortgage or car payment.

Wright USA has served the insurance needs of Federal Government Employees since 1966 and has tailored their offerings to either bridge the coverage gaps or supplement the coverage offered through OPM. The agency also offers a variety of other insurance plans to Federal Government Employees, including Professional Liability, Dental, Life, and Umbrella Liability.

Interested parties can learn more about the products and services Wright USA offers by accessing Wright USA's website at www.WrightUSA.com