Short Term Disability (STD) is insurance that replaces some of your income if any injury or illness prevents you from working. While you are away from work, it pays you a certain percentage of your income for a set period of time.

https://www.utsystem.edu/offices/employee-benefits/insurance-0/disability-insurance

The elimination period is the period of time you cannot work because of an illness or a non-occupational injury before STD benefits become payable. This period is 14 days from the onset of the disability or the length of time during which you must exhaust all of your sick leave, whichever is longer.

The STD plan will pay 60% of your weekly earnings up to a maximum benefit of $693.00 per week. You must exhaust all sick leave before you receive a payment from the STD plan. The maximum period payable is 22 weeks; 4 weeks for pre-existing conditions.

A pre-existing condition is a condition for which medical treatment or advice was rendered, prescribed or recommended within three (3) months prior to the employee's effective date of STD insurance. A condition will no longer be considered pre-existing if it causes disability that begins after the employee has been insured under the STD policy for a period of twelve (12) months.

You can initiate the claim by calling Fort Dearborn Life Insurance Company at 866-628-2606. You must also contact the Office of Talent, Culture, and Engagement,  Leave Services at 817-272-5554.

Long Term Disability coverage protects you in the event that you become disabled, are unable to perform the material and substantial duties of your occupation, and suffer a loss of work income.

https://www.utsystem.edu/offices/employee-benefits/insurance-0/disability-insurance

If you do have a loss of work income while disabled, LTD coverage is designed to provide you with benefits for each month you are disabled.

The LTD plan will pay 60% of your monthly earnings up to a maximum benefit of $12,025 per month. You must exhaust all sick leave before you receive a payment from the LTD plan.

Yes, a pre-existing condition is defined as one for which medical treatment or advice was rendered, prescribed or recommended within three (3) months prior to the employee's effective date of LTD coverage. However, a condition will no longer be considered pre-existing if it causes a disability that begins after the employee has been insured under the LTD policy for a period of twelve (12) months.

LTD is designed for income protections. LTC insurance provides funds for necessary services when an individual becomes incapable of caring for themselves. (i.e. Home Healthcare or Nursing Home services).

If you have filed a STD claim and have been receiving STD benefits, Fort Dearborn Life will automatically begin evaluating your claim for LTD benefits. To obtain information about making a LTD claim if you are not currently receiving STD benefits, you must contact the Office of Talent, Culture, and Engagement, Leave Services at 817-272-5554.

Contact: Formerly Dearborn National
Employees - Ancillary | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (bcbstx.com)
877-442-4207