The Optional LTD increases your monthly benefit to 60% of the first $10,000 of your pre-disability earnings, reduced by any deductible sources of income. There is a benefit waiting period of 90 days. This also extends the length of disability benefits from two (2) years to age 65+, if you are still medically disabled. The minimum benefit you will receive is $200 or 10% of your LTD benefit, whichever is greater. This Optional LTD coverage is fully contributory by the Harris County employees who elect this coverage.
Both the Basic LTD and Optional LTD insurance coverage are offered through contracts with Cigna Life Insurance Company of America (Cigna). Premiums deducted for the Optional LTD will be on an after-tax basis, so any disability benefits you receive for the Optional LTD coverage will not be subject to taxation.
Disability insurance provides income replacement when you experience a covered illness, injury or pregnancy. The coverage can help with financial obligations, such as mortgage or rent payments that continue even when you can’t work – expenses that health insurance does not cover.
If you enroll in the Optional LTD Plan within the first 31 days after you are eligible to enroll, you just complete an enrollment form. If you wait and want to enroll after the first 31 days, you must complete and submit proof of good health or an Evidence of Insurability (EOI) form to Cigna. The late application must be reviewed and approved before any coverage is effective. Additional pre-existing conditions apply to current Harris County employees enrolling in the plan and new hires first choosing to enroll in the plan. This pre-existing limitation could possibly limit any disability benefit.
There are additional exclusions and limitations that apply to your LTD coverage. If you have any questions about the Harris County LTD Plan, please contact Cigna, your Harris County Benefits Coordinator, or the Harris County Office of Human Resources & Risk Management.
Benefits information is included in the Harris County Resource Guide that is distributed annually during open enrollment, and at employee orientation for new hires. Should you have any questions regarding your County benefits please call (713) 274-5500 for further assistance.
