The term life insurance plan endorsed by NYSUT Member Benefits Trust has experienced some changes, effective Sept. 1, 2007. Participants in this plan who are under age 70 will experience a 10 percent decrease in annual premium rates with their renewals on or after Sept. 1.

Also effective Sept. 1, the plan termination age was extended to age 85 with reduced coverage amounts. Benefits reduce at ages 65, 70, 75 and 80. Prior to this change, when participants reached the age of 70, they were given the opportunity to convert their coverage into the Member Benefits-endorsed Senior Term Life Insurance Plan. Now, these two plans essentially have been combined.

While the 10 percent reduction only affects rates for those under age 70, there is good news for retired participants, too. Participants who receive monthly pension benefits from TIAA-CREF, NYSTRS, NYSERS or NYCTRS can now reduce their premiums by 15 percent when they pay using pension deduction.

Those under age 70 who pay premiums through payroll deduction also receive the 15 percent payroll deduction discount.

The payroll and pension deduction payment option also yields travel accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance benefits up to a maximum of $100,000, with an additional $25,000 of AD&D benefits to cover any physical assault while an insured is involved in an employment-related activity. AD&D benefits are provided at no cost to the insured.

The plan features accelerated benefits for insureds under age 70. This feature allows an insured to receive up to 60 percent of the life insurance benefit before death, if diagnosed as terminally ill with fewer than 12 months to live. These benefits help pay for medical costs or maintain financial security during a difficult time.

(For information about this program or about contractual expense reimbursement/ endorsement arrangements with providers of endorsed programs, call NYSUT

Member Benefits Trust at (800) 626-8101, e-mail benefits@nysutmail.org, visit www.memberbenefits.nysut.org or refer to your NYSUT Member Benefits Trust Summary Plan Description.)