Message from MetLife on COVID-19

MetLife remains committed to ensuring NYSUT members get the service they expect and the timely handling of claims. At this time, we are confident in our abilities to service our customers. That being said, we continue to monitor the situation and will make appropriate adjustments if needed.

Please know that each claim received will be reviewed on its individual facts consistent with policy terms and applicable insurance law.

Life Insurance: There are no policy limitations that would limit a claim payment resulting from COVID-19, provided the individual met all other certificate requirements.

During this period of uncertainty, MetLife has made an exception to extend the grace period for premium payment to 60 days after the premium due date. This will be applied for all premiums due 3/1/2020 and forward, until the crisis is deemed over. For members in New York specifically, the grace period for life insurance premium payment is 90 days after the premium due date. We are monitoring all other state specific mandates and will comply with those mandates.

Note that your term life insurance program gives you telephone or in-person access to an attorney in the MetLife Legal Plan attorney network to prepare important planning documents like a power of attorney (which is a document that let’s someone conduct transactions on your behalf) and a health care proxy (where you can appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf). Please feel free to reach out to MetLife Legal Plan at 800-821-6400 with any questions or concerns.

Disability Insurance: There are no policy limitations that would apply for COVID-19. MetLife will evaluate each claim in accordance with the terms of the policy and use claim processes already in place for disability claims.

During this period of uncertainty, MetLife has made an exception to extend the grace period for premium payment to 60 days after the premium due date. This policy will be applied for all premiums due 3/1/2020 and forward, until the crisis is deemed over. We are monitoring all other state specific mandates and will comply with those mandates.

If you are enrolled in disability insurance, you also have access to AXA Travel Assistance. If you are traveling more than 100 miles away from home (whether for work or on personal travel) your travel assist benefits can assist if you are ill and become hospitalized. Assistance is also available in other countries, such as assistance in locating local medical assistance, telemedical assistance, or assistance in filling prescriptions. Other assistance, such as medical evacuation is also available but is subject to country specific regulations and travel restrictions. For additional information, visit www.metlife.com/travelassist or call (800) 454-3679 if within the U.S., or (312) 935-3783 (collect) if outside U.S.

Dental: The covid-19 virus has not directly affected MetLife’s dental operations (i.e., call response center and claims). MetLife is fully operational. MetLife does not anticipate any interruption in service. Please feel free to visit https://www.metlife.com/NYSUTdental or call 888-883-0046 for any additional questions or concerns.

Auto and Home: We are implementing any required changes in states that have issued regulations, bulletins, orders, etc., regarding grace periods or cancelations/non-renewals and also reinstating any policy that cancels for nonpayment during the applicable time period.

Individual Policyholders who are in need of P&C Billing accommodations can call their local agent and/or MetLife Service at 1-866-NYSUT-22 for assistance. In most states we are honoring a 30-60 day grace period for customers who call in requesting accommodations, unless there are state mandates/requirements that supersede the general guidance.

Note – At this time, the following states have requested that MetLife cease cancellation of policies on a temporary basis, AK, CA, DE, MS, NM. This list is subject to change.