Many employees overlook their disability income insurance coverage and needs when evaluating their benefits.

In fact, most employees only review their benefits when they need them.

Almost half of all employees fail to realize that only a portion of their salary, typically less than half their salary after taxes, is covered by group Basic Short-Term or Basic Long-Term Disability plans.

Considering this coverage gap in disability income – even a short duration disability - can significantly impact a family’s ability to pay monthly expenses.

Many employees think that health insurance; group Basic Short-Term Disability, Basic Long-Term Disability plans, Social Security and savings will get them through a disability. What they avoid considering is that nearly half of all Americans who filed for bankruptcy protection did so after a serious illness or injury.

Purchasing Additional Short-Term and Additional Long-Term Disability benefits to supplement the Company provided basic coverage can help. Your opportunity to purchase additional disability protection is at Annual Enrollment. Keep in mind, requests for Additional Long-Term Disability at Annual Enrollment is subject to proof of good health.

Don’t wait until you have a serious illness or injury to think about purchasing coverage. Review your 2004 Annual Enrollment options and consider the importance an increase in this important benefit can provide you and your family.