
Insurance
Overview
Because you are an employee of Wisconsin Electric Power Company or Wisconsin
Gas LLC, you are automatically a member of the Employes' Mutual Benefit
Association (EMBA). One of the benefits the association offers its
members is short-term disability insurance (STDI).
When an illness or accident keeps you away from work for an extended
time, your focus should be recuperation — not concern about paying your
bills. STDI can offset part of the financial strain you may face. STDI
pays a daily disability benefit up to $40, which can help you keep financial
control of your situation until you return to work. Monthly premiums
are based on your job classification and age.
Enrollment Steps
1. Call EMBA, 414-221-2703, to obtain an application and rate sheet.
2. Complete forms, including medical history and return to EMBA, P244.
3. Medical underwriter reviews application.
4. Plan goes into effect upon approval (typically three to four weeks
from application).
5. Payroll is notified to begin deduction.
6. Policy is mailed to applicant.
Note: If a rider is added to the plan by the underwriter, the applicant
is notified of the condition, which must be signed and returned before
the policy can go into effect. Upon acceptance, you will receive a policy
from EMBA.
Questions and Answers about STDI
Who is eligible for STDI?
Any full-time employee of Wisconsin Electric Power
Co. or Wisconsin Gas LLC.
What is the purpose of STDI?
The primary purpose is to provide a partial pay replacement
when a member is unable to perform the duties of his or her job. As
a short-term disability plan, this is critical to those who have limited
sick time allowance or limited vacation eligibility.
When are benefits paid?
The policy pays benefits if you can't work (do your job or any other
job) due to injury or sickness. The policy also may pay benefits if
you can only work part time when you return to work. In either case,
you must meet all policy rules to qualify.
- Disability benefits start after
you have been off for a minimum of six calendar days.
- Benefits will be
paid for a maximum of 365 days in any 24-month period. The policy automatically
cancels after the maximum benefit is reached.
- If you suffer certain losses
due to injury, including loss of life, the policy will pay a lump sum
amount, based on the extent of the loss.
When are benefits not paid?
No benefits are paid if you try to hurt yourself or if you put yourself
in danger. No benefits are paid if you are unable to work due to substance
abuse. No benefits are paid if you take part in an illegal act or crime.
No benefits are paid if the injury or sickness is caused by war. No
benefits are paid for optional time off, such as family medical leave
to care for a family member or to take extended maternity disability.
How much does it cost?
The cost varies according to occupation and age. Monthly premiums range
from about $13.81 to $95.62 per month. Premiums increase when you reach
higher age brackets (40, 50 and 60). Premium rate tables can change
at any time, but they only change by class and not individual policies.
Rates do not change based on health status or previous claim filings.
You can obtain current monthly premium rates by calling the EMBA office
at (414) 221-2703.
When does coverage end?
Coverage ends when you: cancel it, reach age 70, retire or cease to be
an association member; fail to pay a premium in the allowed time or
you receive maximum benefits (365 days within any 24-month period);
or falsify an application or claim.
How do I file a claim?
Promptly call the EMBA office and request
claim forms within 20 days of occurrence, or e-mail EMBA-STDI-Claims@we-energies.com.
- Fill
out the claim forms, which include an application for benefits and
a form for your doctor.
- Promptly return the forms to EMBA, P244.
- You must see your doctor when
the claim period begins and then every 30 days after that if the claim
period continues.
Where can I get more information?
View Policy and Rate
Sheet.
Note: your monthly rate is based on your risk/job title
(A, B, C, or D), and your age group as noted on rate sheet.
Name Change Form
Beneficiary Change Form
|