Steps to protect yourself today and in the future

1. Protect your earnings. What would happen if you were unable to work due to an illness or injury without any other coverage to help cover your bills? Short and long-term disability income insurance may cover a portion of your income when you are unable to work due to an illness or injury, which could last a few weeks or as long as a year, or more. Your employer may offer this insurance without any cost to you. You may have to complete a waiting period before benefits are available.
2. Health insurance. Simply put, health insurance is a must for just about everyone. Make sure you understand your cost and coverage options to select a plan that works for you and your family.
3. Health Savings Account (HSA). A Health Savings Account is an option when you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). It can be used to pay eligible medical expenses today and into retirement. Benefits of HSAs include tax-advantaged savings, meaning you use pre-tax earnings to fund it, your dollars grow tax-free and money can be taken out tax-free to cover eligible expenses. HAS funds roll over year after year, are portable and can be passed to your beneficiary if you should pass away.
4. Flexible Spending Account (FSA). There are three different types of FSAs that each have their own purpose. allows you to set aside money each month to help pay for eligible health or dependent care expenses insurance doesn’t cover. It’s important to know that FSA funds don’t roll over at the end of the year and those that are unused will be forfeited.
5. Critical illness insurance. This type of protection can help you cover expenses if you’re diagnosed with a covered illness such as a stroke or heart attack. Whether you need help with medical costs, bills or even groceries, critical illness insurance can minimize the financial impact, so you can focus on your health. Critical Illness may be referred to as “Specified Disease” in some states.
6. Accident insurance. This type of optional coverage (known as “supplemental health insurance”) pays benefits for specific injuries or treatment (such as breaking your leg or getting a concussion) that are the result of a covered accident. Accident Insurance doesn’t replace your health insurance but rather it complements it.
7. Hospital Indemnity Insurance. Hospital Indemnity Insurance is another type of supplemental health insurance. It pays you a fixed daily benefit if you have a covered hospitalization. Coverage varies by plan, but daily benefits may also be available for mental health and substance use inpatient treatment and for newborn babies. An approved claim is paid directly to you so that you can spend it however you like. “Hospital” and “Rehabilitation Facility” are specifically defined in the certificate of coverage.

Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Confinement Indemnity Insurance are limited benefit policies. They are not health insurance and do not meet the requirement of minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

This is a summary of benefits only. A complete description of benefits, limitations, exclusions and termination of coverage will be provided in the certificate of insurance and riders. All coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the group policy. If there is any discrepancy between this document and the group policy documents, the policy documents will govern. To keep coverage in force, premiums are payable up to the date of coverage termination.

1. Life insurance. If something unexpected happens to you, life insurance can provide much needed support for your loved ones. Learn more about the different types of life insurance and how much you may need.
2. Long-term care insurance. This type of coverage can help if everyday activities start to become difficult to handle. Long-term care can help pay for a variety of home care, assisted living or nursing home needs.
3. Estate planning. Think estate planning is just for the wealthy? Think again. Learn more about wills and trusts to help your things in the hands of your loved ones and your loved ones in good hands.

1. Planning on taking leave from your job? Do you need to take time away from work to care for a loved one or for a medical condition? You may be eligible for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for your leave.
2. Protect your identity. Remember, you are your own first line of defense when it comes to keeping your accounts and identity safe. Check out some best practices to help you get started.
3. eDelivery. Sign up for electronic account notifications for your retirement account to help save the environment. You’ll get instant access to your document on our secure website instead of waiting for a paper copy via U.S. mail.
4. Beneficiaries. Review and update your beneficiaries once a year to ensure they are updated if the unexpected happens.
5. Consider working with a financial professional. Financial professionals can determine areas of improvement and create a plan to help you check off your financial milestones.
6. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Your employer may offer program, which is a voluntary program that offers free and confidential support to employees and their families. EAPs can help with personal, work-related, and family issues. Check with your employer to see if they offer this program.