We’ve simplified our underwriting requirements for Voluntary Short Term Disability (VSTD).
For groups with pre-existing condition limitations:
We waive Evidence of Insurability (EOI) requirements for any member electing VSTD up to the guaranteed issue limit – even if they are a late entrant for groups that have pre-existing condition limitations in their contract.
We’re reissuing VSTD certificates to current clients to remove the EOI requirement. There will still be some references to EOI within most certificates based filing constraints, but we have removed the majority of that language and are waiving EOI.
Employees who elect VSTD coverage over the guaranteed issue limit need to complete an EOI form. We will send the EOI form to the member. This will be very unusual, as typically our Guaranteed Issue (GI) amount equals the maximum weekly benefit amount.
Some groups have older VSTD certificates that we were not able to reissue. We sent a letter to these groups to notify them of these changes.
For groups that do not have pre-existing condition limitations:
If a client does not have a pre-existing condition limitation, late entrants must submit EOI for all amounts of coverage and be medically underwritten.
Pre-existing condition limitations are a standard provision in all VSTD plans. Life and Disability Underwriting must approve all requests for VSTD plans that do not have a pre-existing condition limitation. This type of plan is a custom contract.
These provisions only apply to VSTD plans and do not affect any other life and disability products.