Critical Illness Insurance helps provide financial support if diagnosed with a covered critical illness.

If you’re diagnosed with a critical illness like a heart attack or stroke, your life can change quickly. In addition to the emotional and physical toll, there may be strain on your personal finances. That’s because while a major medical plan may pay for some of the costs associated with treatment, out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays and deductibles can still put a strain on your savings.

However, once you’re enrolled in Critical Illness Insurance, you’ll have additional financial protection if you have a covered critical illness. With this policy, you receive cash benefits paid directly to you (unless otherwise assigned) to use however you choose.

• Gives a payment to use however you see fit
• The payment is made directly to you
• It can help pay out-of-pocket expenses related to medical care associated with covered illnesses
• In addition to medical care, you may use it to pay for things like childcare, lodging, or over-the-counter medication

You can collect this benefit in addition to other coverage you have, including your employer’s major medical plan, any other type of medical coverage, disability insurance, or other benefits you may be eligible to collect. However, it is NOT health insurance and does not satisfy the requirement of minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Dealing with a critical illness can be costly to you in 2 ways:

• Medical bills. It’s not unusual for a critical illness to result in out-of-pocket expenses. It starts with the usual, deductibles and copays, but it doesn’t end there. You might decide to go to a doctor or facility that’s “out of network.” You might decide to get a second opinion or type of treatment that isn’t covered at all. When your health is at stake, it's important to feel like you have control and choices. 
• Lost income. Treatment and focus on recovery may require extra time away from work. That can impact the paycheck your family may rely on to keep everything on track. Or you might discover you have added expenses because you need more help around the house, extra childcare, or additional lodging near treatment. These costs can subtract from your wages or savings.

The advantage of this insurance is simple: you can use your critical illness benefit any way you choose. You can use it to help pay for medical expenses like deductibles and copays, as well as any non-medical expenses. You can also use this money to help pay daily living expenses such as grocery bills, mortgage payments, childcare, and transportation – all of which can be an added worry if you lose income while you’re out of work.

Access to this benefit helps you more control over your finances and ultimately your health care options, too. Less stress about money and added peace of mind are both great ways to support your recovery.

These are the periods when you are eligible to enroll for Critical Illness Insurance:

1. Within your new hire enrollment period
2. If you have a qualifying life event (you get married, have a baby, etc.)
3. During your employer’s annual enrollment 

Check with your employer’s human resources/benefits team for specifics about these timeframes.

Keep in mind: If you enroll during these timeframes, you have what is called "guaranteed issue," which means no medical questions or tests are required to enroll. Pre-existing condition limitations may apply.

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