DENTAL PLANS
United Concordia Insurance Plan:
No Deductibles, No Pre-Existing Conditions Limited only to Active Orthodontia Treatment, No Yearly Benefit Maximums, No Office Visit Copayment, No Charge for X-Rays, Exams, and Routine Cleanings, and best of all, you can pay via payroll deduction, check service or quarterly billing! Stop by VAEA and pick up a packet today!
**Effective date begins on the first of the month provided you get your information in before the 15th of the prior month - Example: Before December 15 for coverage to begin January 1. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT:  http://www.massbenefits.com/va.htm

Brokers National Insurance Plan:
Open Enrollment scheduled for Fall 2000.  Check Back for details.

During the Open Enrollment Period, there are two types of Dental Insurance Plans available:
HMO:  Participating Dentists - lists of dentists in your area are available.  (This option will not be available in all areas).

INDEMNITY:  There is no contract of services between the insurance company and the dentist.  The company pays by the type of service rendered.  The participant can go to any dentist.  Check the massbenefits.com website for announcement of open enrollment   period options in your area.

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
VAEA, in cooperation with its insurance administrator Mass Benefits Consultants, provides USDA employees the opportunity to purchase professional liability insurance at extremely reasonable rates.  Veterans Administration will reimburse employees for 50% of the premium. 

Civil lawsuits, frivolous or not, are increasing every day, especially against federal government employees. Did you know that the government does not guarantee coverage or an attorney in the event a federal employee is sued even if they are acting within the scope of their job? The Federal Torts Claims Act states that the government can choose whether or not to defend you. It cannot cover any monetary damages awarded against you personally. The new plan picks up the full cost of your legal defense plus covered damages awarded against you up to $1 million (based on the selected policy limit).

The plan was developed with the advice and consultation of attorneys with the Torts Claims Division of the Justice Department. This plan is the only one developed with these experts assistance.

Other benefits of the plan include protection against law suits prior to the effective date of coverage if you had no knowledge of that suit; a discovery period of 3 years after you retire; coverage for administrative proceedings; and coverage for punitive damages where allowed by state law. Coverage is world-wide. Any federal employee working at least 17.5 hours/week is eligible.

VAEA is making this plan available to Veterans Administration employees NOW! To receive a brochure, call VAEA at 202-273-6261. For details on the plan, call Mass Benefits at 1-800-221-3083. If in the metro DC area, call 703-256-7800.

DISABILITY INCOME PROTECTION
TIP Income Protection Plan provides:  Hospital   Disability Benefits (Up to $280 per day for accident, up to $245 per day for illness) and Monthly Disability Benefit (Maximum of 65% of salary to $6,825 per month).   Rehabilitation Benefit; Survivor's Income Benefit; Supplemental Monthly Benefit also provided.  Call Mass Benefits for full details of any of the programs listed here.  (703) 256-7800 in the Washington Metro Area or 1-800-221-3083 out of the Metro Area.

SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE (SHIP)
The Supplemental Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is open to all employees who participate in any Federal Plan. YOUR ACCEPTANCE IS GUARANTEED during OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD. Click Here for details about SHIP.

SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN
Under the New Supplemental Retirement Plan, you, your spouse and select family members are eligible to contribute to an IRA and/or a Non-Qualified Deferred Immunity. With this plan, you receive the full 6.40% 2nd quarter rate through 12/31/00 with a minimum of 5.00% or possibly higher interest credit for contributions made during the next three quarters.  Some of the highlights include:

*Group Interest Rates
*No administrative or transaction fees
*Members and their spouses, children, parents, grandparents and grandchildren are eligible
*Interest is tax deferred until withdrawn.
*Contributions may be made any time during the year.

Click Here for details about the Supplemental Retirement Plan. This program is specifically designed for Veterans Administration employees and retirees. Other programs are available for Federal and non-Federal employees. For further information, call 1-800-221-3083.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT PLAN
This comprehensive accident policy provides much more than just an accidental death benefit. Policy features, many of which are new, include:

Accidental death and dismemberment, including benefit for loss of speech or hearing or paralysis (paraplegic or hemiplegia). Critical Period Benefit (family plan only)-Provided an additional benefit of 1/2% of the deceased insured's benefit per month for 12 consecutive months. Continuous Coverage Bonus- A benefit increase of 5% on the first policy anniversary after a person has been covered by this policy for 2 consecutive years; 10% after 10 years; and 15% after 20 years. Special Education Benefit- Provides up to $2,500 per year to surviving children for college education. Spouse Training Benefit- Provides up to $3,000 to covered spouse for enrollment in an accredited school for retraining needed for employment. Plan will provide coverage 24 hours per day anywhere in the world. You are covered at work, at home, or on vacation. Underwritten by Boston Mutual

This program is specifically designed for Veterans Administration employees and retirees. Other programs are available for Federal and non-Federal employees. For further information, call 1-800-221-3083.

GROUP TERM LIFE
Established in 1970, this plan has provided coverage to thousands of Veterans Administration employees and their families.  Both the employee and their spouse can purchase up to $250,000 of coverage at group rates.  As an example, a 38-year old employee or spouse can have $25,000 of coverage for under $45 per year.

This program is specifically designed for Veterans Administration employees and retirees. Other programs are available for Federal and non-Federal employees. For further information, call 1-800-221-3083.

GROUP AUTO AND HOMEOWNERS
Our newest program, underwritten by Travelers Property Casualty.   Special group rates for Veterans Administration employees.  Coverage available for homeowner, apartment, auto, valuable items (jewelry, art, collections, etc.) boat, travel trailer, and personal umbrella coverage. 

PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
Your need for legal representation can extend beyond the scope of your employment.  Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. provides: 
*Free Will preparation and updates (average value of $300 to $400)
*Unlimited telephone consultations for personal or business questions.
*Legal document review (up to 10 pages)
*Representation for moving traffic violation.
*Trial defense services.
*IRS Audit Legal Services

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
If your child has turned age 22, is currently enrolled in a state accredited college or university (undergraduate taking 9 or more credit hours or a full-time graduate student), he/she is eligible for the Fortis Student Select health insurance plan.

 

	Up to $1 million protection, $100,000 per illness or injury.
	Freedom to choose your own doctors and hospitals
	Semi-private room and board
	Office Visits
	Emergency Care
	Surgery
	In-hospital and outpatient services
	X-ray and laboratory services
	Home health care
	Ground or air ambulance service
	Medical equipment and services
	Intensive Care
	Medical evacuation benefit
For more information on insurance plans please call the VAEA on (202) 273-6261