PROVIDERS YOU CAN COUNT ON

The Zucker School of Medicine (SOM) at Hofstra Northwell sponsored Medical Student Group Disability insurance policy was developed by Health Sciences Assurance Consulting, Inc. (HSAC) in collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs.  The insurance plan was developed to meet unique needs faced by medical students and is periodically updated based upon input from students and advisors. Working exclusively within the academic Health Sciences community; HSAC has provides resources for student, resident, and practitioners to assist them in better understanding and managing their insurance programs.

The Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell sponsored group disability plan is sponsored by the American Medical Association (AMA) and underwritten by The Standard Insurance Company, 900 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland, OR 97204.  For claims issues you may contact Standard Insurance directly at 1-800-368-1135 ext. 8917.

Students suffering a disabling injury or illness should submit notice of their disability to Standard within 30 days of their disability. Disability claim forms are available by clicking the Documents tab.

Due to a New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) legal opinion, all communication at this time regarding the Hofstra AMA MedPlus Advantage Long Term Disability plan must be done electronically or in writing.  Questions and resources regarding coverage can be obtained from HSAC and the AMA by emailing zuckersom@hsac.com.  This email will be monitored during business hours and in case of emergency. Responses will be provided within 24 hours, unless an emergency requires an expedited response.  This email is specifically for the students of Hofstra and will go directly to the Zucker School of Medicine Account Manager, to contact your account manager email  zuckersom@hsac.com.

The following link is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year as a resource center for students:

https://www.medplusadvantage.com/resourcecenter/contact-us.html

Disability Income Insurance Plan Benefit Certificate 

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS*

Duration of Benefit

Social Security Normal Retirement Age

Monthly Benefit

$1,500 for all students

Elimination Period

90 days

Definition of Disability

For the first 60 months, unable to perform the duties of a student, after 60 months any occupation by way of education training or experience

Offset with Partial Earnings

Gross monthly benefit reduced by current monthly earnings that exceed $3,000 per month

Minimum Benefit

$100

Pre-x Waiting Period

6/12 pre-x

Mental and Nervous Limitation

Limits claims payments for mental and nervous claims to 24 Months for each period of continuous disability

Loan Payout Benefit

$225,000

Lump Sum Benefit

$5,000

Survivor Benefit

5 Times the Monthly Benefit

COLA Benefit

4 1/2% compounded after 12 months, up to $2,000

Continuation of Coverage After Graduation:

MD Students: $2,000/$2,500 for students entering residency, $4,000 for students entering workforce

*Please note that this is intended to provide only an overview of the important benefit features of the proposed disability plan designs. The respective Certificate of Insurances shall be the final determinant of actual coverage and claims administration.           

What is not covered: Standard does not cover any period of disability caused, directly or indirectly, by: (a) declared or undeclared war or act of war or armed aggression; (b) your service in the armed forces, National Guard, or military reserves of any state or country; (c) your taking part in a riot or other civil disorder; (d) your commission of, or attempt to commit, a felony; (e) your unlawful use or threat of force on another person without his or her consent; (f) intentional self-injury or attempted suicide while sane or insane; (g) job related or on-the-job injury; or (h) conditions for which benefits are payable by Workers’ Compensation or life laws.

Standard does not pay benefits for any period during which you are confined to any facility as a result of your conviction of a crime or public offense.

Standard does not pay benefits for any period during which you are not under the regular care and treatment of a doctor.

Standard does not pay benefits for any period of disability which starts before you are insured by this plan. In addition, no benefit will be payable for any period during which your loss of status as a regular full-time student is not due to your disability.

 

CONTINUATION OF COVERAGE AFTER GRADUATION

This plan also includes a conversion privilege to continue your disability insurance when you begin residency training. Physicians beginning a residency may convert to a monthly benefit of $2,000. Premiums will increase and the resident will be billed for the resident disability plan on an individual basis. Premium payments must be made in a timely fashion as defined in the policy or the coverage will terminate.

For questions regarding your disability insurance plan or to learn more about continuing coverage after graduation please contact:

Health Sciences Assurance Consulting, Inc. (HSAC. Inc.) at zuckersom@hsac.com.