If I become ineligible to participate in the University Life Insurance Plan or Optional Life Insurance Plan, do I lose my life insurance?
You do not lose your life insurance entirely if you become ineligible; your insurance will terminate if:

• You become ineligible for the insurance;
• You discontinue your contributions;
• Your employment terminates; or
• Either the University or Optional Plans are terminated by the University.

However, if your coverage terminates for any reason, your University and Optional life insurance benefits will be paid in the event your death occurs during the next 31 days after one of the events above or during the remainder of the period for which you have already paid the premium—whichever occurs later. If your coverage at the University has been in effect for at least five years, you may convert to one of a number of MetLife individual policies. See Conversion Privilege for more information.

What if I take a leave of absence or I am temporarily laid off?

• If you are granted an official leave of absence by the University, your insurance can be continued for the duration of the leave, provided you make arrangements with the Benefits Office prior to the start of your leave to pay the premiums during your leave.
• If you are temporarily laid off for any reason, your insurance can be continued during the layoff for up to 12 months, provided you make arrangements prior to the layoff with the Benefits Office for the payment of premiums. If you request and qualify for "extended layoff," coverage can be continued an additional six months.
• If you choose not to continue coverage during a leave of absence or layoff, and you return to work at the University with an eligible appointment, your coverage will be reinstated at the same level you were enrolled for prior to your leave or layoff. You must contact the Benefits Office within 60 days of your return to work if you need to make allowable changes to your coverage.

Consult the University of Michigan Standard Practice Guide (SPG) for the most up-to-date rules regarding leaves (SPG Sections 201.30-0 and 201.30-1) and layoffs (SPG Sections 201.72-0 and 201.72-1).

How will changes in salary or age affect my cost for the Optional Life Insurance Plan?
If you selected a multiple of your salary for your Optional coverage, the amount of coverage selected and its cost will increase automatically when your salary increases. Your cost will increase similarly when you move into the next higher age bracket.

What if my salary is reduced?
In the event of a reduction in base annual salary, your insurance coverage and contributions will be reduced to reflect your actual salary. However, if you should die within two years of your salary reduction, your life insurance will be paid at the higher amount. If you have questions about this provision, contact the HR/Payroll Service Center at 734-615-2000 or 1-866-647-7657 (toll free).

What if I terminate my employment at the University?
If you are enrolled in either life insurance plan and your employment terminates for any reason, your life insurance coverage will cease 31 days from the last day of the month in which you leave the University. See Conversion Privilege for information on obtaining an individual life insurance policy.

What happens if I become totally disabled?
If you become disabled, you are in the University’s Long-Term Disability Plan, and you are approved for benefits, your life insurance will remain in force, paid for by the University.