Frequently Asked Questions

General

  1. How is ABE related to ABA?

    The ABE is a charitable affiliate of the ABA. Our membership consists of ABA members and our Board of Directors must be ABA members.

  2. What types of insurance do you have available?

    We offer ABA members Excess Major Medical, Mid- and Long-Term Disability Income, Group Term Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Hospital Indemnity, and Office Overhead Expense.

  3. Is ABA membership required to obtain or keep ABE insurance coverage?

    Yes, membership in the ABA is required and must be maintained to keep ABE insurance coverage.

  4. Can payments be made by credit card?

    No, we currently do not accept credit cards.

  5. Can I pay my premiums with an automatic bank draft (ACH debits)?

    Yes, we can send you the authorization form to have your premiums withdrawn from a United States checking account. We withdraw funds on the first business day of every month. To begin the automatic draft process, we need your first month's premium (if due), the authorization form and a voided check.

  6. I am currently enrolled in the ABE Automatic Payment Plan and have a new bank account that I would like to have my monthly debits taken from. How do I notify ABE of this change?

    Simply fax a copy of a voided check from the new account to 312-988-6401 or mail a voided check to 321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610-5209 with a note specifying the plan(s) which should be paid from the new account.

  7. Is there a grace period for your insurance plan payments?

    Yes, all plans have a 31-day grace period from the due date.

  8. What is the procedure for a change of address?

    We must have a change of address in writing. The member can complete the back portion of a premium billing notice, e-mail or fax us a letter. If the member is only adding a company name or suite number to his/her address, this can be done by phone. All requests must have a date of birth and your certificate holder id number indicated.

  9. Why do address changes have to be in writing?

    It provides us with the appropriate documentation of your request and helps to ensure that the change is made accurately. In addition, it is for your security to verify that an authorized individual is requesting the change.

  10. How do I claim dividends/experience credits that may be available on my insurance coverage?

    A written request must be sent to ABE between January 1st and December 15th for EACH year you wish to receive any available dividends. Within 15 working days of receiving your request we will send an acknowledgement confirming receipt of your request. You should retain this confirmation until you receive your dividend check or a letter advising there is no dividend for that year. If you don't receive a written acknowledgment from ABE, you should mail or fax us a copy of your original request (before December 15th) stating that you did not receive a confirmation of refund request.

  11. What happens to the available dividends that are contributed to the Endowment?

    When you donate your share of available dividends to the Endowment (which the vast majority of members do), the Endowment distributes them as grants to the ABA's Fund for Justice & Education and the American Bar Foundation. This grant money is then used to fund public service, research and educational projects in the field of law. When you contribute your dividends to the Endowment, you are eligible for a charitable deduction on your income tax return according to a March 1987 ruling by the Internal Revenue Service.

  12. Where can I find an explanation of the process to request available dividend refunds?

    This information is on the application and brochure you receive when applying for coverage. It is also on the folder that holds your Certificate of Insurance and is printed on every premium notice. If you have your premiums automatically withdrawn from your checking account, an annual notice is sent to you by mail. And finally, the November issue of the ABA Journal has the Endowment's annual report, which also describes the refund process, and gives details on the approximate dividends available for each of the insurance plans.

  13. If I want to give my dividend check back to the Endowment, how do I do this?

    Just send us your check with a letter stating that you are returning your dividend refund. Please send the check and letter to ABE, 321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610. You will receive a charitable contribution notice by return mail.

  14. Why don't you offer a basic health insurance coverage?

    We do not offer a basic health insurance plan because it is not conducive to the generation of dividends, which is an essential element of our plans. ABE is a charitable organization and the dividends support ABE's charitable work. ABE could lose its tax-exempt status if it treated the insurance plans as a member benefit. There are basic health plans offered through ABE's for-profit-subsidiary American Bar Insurance Plans Consultants, Inc. You can call them at 1-800-445-3540, or e-mail ABI at info@abiins.com

  15. How long are dependent children eligible for coverage?

    Children who are unmarried and dependent upon the insured member for support can be covered under some of our plans up to the following ages:

    AD&D and Excess Major Medical Plans - up to age 19 (or 25 if full-time student and unmarried). Dependent definitions may vary by states.

    Hospital Money Plan - to age 21 (or 25 if full-time student).

    Life Plans - to age 25.

  16. Based on my medical history, can you consider coverage for me under your medically underwritten insurance plans (Group Term Life, Long and Mid Term Disability, Excess Major Medical, and Office Overhead Expense)?

    ABE does not underwrite the applications we receive. The insurance company is responsible for this decision. The only way to find out if you will be approved for coverage is to complete an application. An underwriter at the insurance company will review it and make a determination concerning approval. If a member wishes to speak with an underwriter, we can assist you if you call or e-mail us.

  17. Why did I receive a final notice when I never received an initial premium due notice?

    Initial premium notices are generated and sent out approximately 30 days before the due date (see question #19). If we have not received your premium payment within ten days after it was due, then a final notice is generated and sent to you. If you do not receive your first or reminder notice, please contact the ABE immediately by e-mail or calling toll-free at 1-800-621-8981.

  18. How many premium notices do you send out for each billing period?

    We send out two premium notices; a first notice and a past due notice if the premium is not paid in full. The first notice is sent out approximately 30 days prior to the due date (the dates shown below) and the past due notice is sent out approximately 10 days after the due dates (the dates shown below):

    Disability and Hospital Indemnity Quarterly 2/1, 5/1, 8/1 and 11/1
    Semi-annual 5/1 and 11/1
    Annual 11/1
    Accidental Death Quarterly 2/1, 5/1, 8/1 and 11/1
    Semi-annual 2/1 and 8/1
    Annual 8/1
    Office Overhead Quarterly 1/1, 4/1, 7/1 and 10/1
    Semi-annual 1/1 and 7/1
    Annual 7/1
    Excess Major Medical Quarterly 3/1, 6/1, 9/1 and 12/1
    Semi-annual 3/1 and 9/1
    Annual 3/1
    Life Quarterly 3/1, 6/1, 9/1 and 12/1
  19. If coverage is cancelled, will a prorated refund of the unused premium be made?

    Yes, coverage is cancelled on the first of the month and a prorated refund will be made of any unused premium.

  20. Do you have dental coverage?

    There is a plan offered through ABE's for-profit subsidiary, American Bar Insurance Plan Consultants, Inc.

  21. Can a spouse remain covered after a divorce?

    A spouse is not eligible to continue coverage after a divorce unless he/she is also a member of the ABA and applies for his/her own coverage. This applies to all policies except the Excess Major Medical Plan, which allows a spouse to continue coverage until he/she remarries.

  22. How long does it take to process a death claim?

    Death claim processing takes priority over our other work. As soon as all the necessary information is received by ABE (claim form, a copy of the death certificate, original certificate, if available, and additional information requested by the claims office), it is forwarded to New York Life for processing. It should then take 7 working days for the proceeds to be paid.

  23. I received a NSF (non-sufficient funds) notice from my bank for a premium payment I made on my insurance; what should I do?

    Your check will be returned to you for replacement. If your check was returned after the grace period expires, to reinstate your lapsed coverage you will be required to sign a statement attesting that your health has not changed. Also, a $25 fee will be assessed for the returned check.

  24. Can you send a claim form?

    Yes. All we need from you is your name, address, and certificate ID number. You can e-mail, fax or mail this information to the ABE. Once the request is received, the claim form will be mailed to you. Click here to access the online claim forms.

  25. Where should I send my completed claim form?

    The return address is located at the top left-hand corner of the claim form. In addition, a return envelope will be sent to you with the claim form.

  26. Do I need to fill out a new application and go through underwriting if I wish to increase my insurance?

    If you are increasing Group Term Life, Disability Income, Excess Major Medical or Office Overhead Expense you will be required to complete another application, which will be sent to the underwriter for processing. The Hospital Money and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Plans are guaranteed acceptance plans, but we do need an application completed to document your requested change. The Hospital Money Plan and Excess Major Medical Plan have a pre-existing conditions clause. New applications will not affect your existing benefits.

  27. How do I cancel some or all of my coverage on a policy?

    To cancel some or all of the coverage from a policy, please submit a letter to ABE stating what you would like to cancel on your policy. Generally these are processed effective the first of the month following receipt of the request.

  28. I haven't received my premium notice yet. Can you fax it?

    We can fax or mail you a premium notice; however, it will be printed overnight and then faxed or mailed the next morning.

  29. How do I list a contingent beneficiary on the change of beneficiary (COB) form?

    On the COB form list the beneficiary's name and designate whether the individual is a primary or contingent beneficiary. If there are multiple primary or multiple contingent beneficiaries, you should also designate the percentage of death benefits each is to receive.

  30. If my insurance lapsed, can I be reinstated?

    If coverage recently lapsed (last renewal not paid), you can be reinstated if you can and do sign a health statement within 45 days of the lapse date attesting that your health has not changed since your insurance lapsed, and pay any premiums due. If coverage lapsed prior to the last renewal or more than 45 days have passed since the lapse date, a new application must be submitted for approval by the insurance company.

  31. Which insurance companies underwrite your insurance plans?

    The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, a member company of American International Group, Inc.underwrites the Disability and Excess Major Medical plans. New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010, underwrites the Group Term Life, Group Office Overhead Expense, Group Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Group Hospital Indemnity plans on policy form GMR.

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Excess Major Medical

  1. What is covered under the Excess Major Medical (EMM) policy and will it duplicate payments made by another insurance policy?

    Please see the Excess Major Medical Plan description for benefits of this plan. ABE's policy will not duplicate payments made by other policies. All payments made by another carrier can be used to satisfy the EMM deductible.

  2. What deductibles are offered under the Excess Major Medical policy?

    We have two plans - Plan I offers a $10,000, $15,000, $25,000, $50,000 and $100,000 deductibles and does not require a basic health insurance plan (certain states are excluded). Plan II offers a $25,000, $50,000, $100,000 $500,000 and $1,000,000 deductibles, this plan requires a basic health insurance plan (please see Plan details on our homepage Excess Major Medical Plan II).

  3. Can I change the deductible on my Excess Major Medical insurance?

    Yes, if you would like a higher deductible, just send us a written request stating what deductible you would like. If you want a lower deductible, you would have to submit an application and go through the underwriting process.

  4. I currently have a $10,000 or $15,000 deductible. If I chose to increase to the $50,000 deductible, can I switch back to $10,000 or $15,000 at a later date?

    A new application is required to decrease your deductible, which will be sent to the insurance company for underwriting.

  5. What are the benefit periods for the Excess Major Medical Plans?

    Both Plan I and Plan II benefits are payable for five years. A new benefit period may be restarted by meeting a new deductible. Benefits are paid per illness or injury for Plan I and for all causes for Plan II up to the $2 million lifetime maximum.

  6. Are payments made by another insurance policy towards a claim used to satisfy the deductible on the Excess Major Medical plan?

    Yes, payments made by other insurance policies may be applied to the Excess Major Medical Plan deductible.

  7. May a spouse, child and member be covered under different Excess Major Medical deductibles?

    No, all must be covered under the same deductible, unless the spouse is also a member of the ABA, in which case he/she may purchase his/her own policy.

    Note: Each individual may only be insured under one policy. A spouse may not be covered as a dependent and as a member, and the children would have to be covered under one policy or the other, not both.

  8. Do you offer a basic medical plan, and if so, what are the rates?

    We do not offer a basic major medical health plan. We can provide rates for our Excess Major Medical Plan. If you need basic health insurance rather than an Excess Major Medical Plan, you may contact our subsidiary, American Bar Insurance Plans. For plan availability and rates, contact them by e-mail at info@abiins.com or by phone at 1-800-445-3540.

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Group Term Life

  1. Do the benefits on the Group Term Life Insurance plan decrease when I get older?

    ABE currently has three plans available. The benefits for the 10 and 20 year level term plans do not decrease. If you are looking at the 5-year age-banded plan, benefits decrease according to the policy and at specific ages as outlined in the life product information. If you are currently insured in an ABE Group Life Plan besides the 10 and 20 year level plans see your certificate of insurance.

  2. Can the beneficiary for a spouse's Group Term Life benefit be someone other than the member?

    Yes, however, the owner must be the one to make that designation because only he/she has that right. If the member has not transferred ownership, he/she alone has the right to designate a beneficiary for spouse coverage.

  3. Please explain the difference between group term life insurance policies G2766-0, G2766-1, G-2766-2, G-2766-3, G-29104-0 and G-29168-0.

    Some of the differences are as follow:

    G-2766-0

    • No longer available for new applicants or transfers.
    • Maximum benefit $240,000.
    • Termination age 72
    • Benefits reduce at age 55 and every five years thereafter - Plan A-H only.
    • Junior plan reduced every year beginning at age 26
    • Waiver of premium and AD&D benefits
    • Standard rates only

    G-2766-1

    • No longer available for new applicants or transfers.
    • Termination age 72
    • Benefits reduce at every age beginning at 40
    • Benefits depend on age when entering
    • Waiver of premium and AD&D benefits
    • Standard rates only

    G-2766-2

    • No longer available to new applicants and transfers except to increase existing coverage or to add dependents to existing coverage.
    • Maximum benefits $360,000; Spouse maximum benefit is 50% of member's benefit
    • Termination age 80
    • Benefits reduce by 50% of current benefit at ages 65, 70 and 75
    • (Standard rates only)

    G-2766-3 (age-banded plan)

    • Available to all ABA members under age 60 who reside in the United States (except Vermont or Washington), Puerto Rico, Canada (except Quebec and Ontario), or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    • Maximum benefit $750,000 - Spouse coverage is available up to 100% of member amount.
    • Termination age 75
    • Benefits reduce at age 60 to 66% of the original amount, by 46% at age 65 and to 30% at age 70 (benefit reduction based on the original benefit)
    • Automatic benefit increase option (member only) increases original benefit amount by 10% every June 1st for up to ten years as long as the member is under age 60, is not totally disabled, the additional premium due is paid and the total life benefit of $750,000 is not exceeded
    • Standard and preferred non-smoker rates
    • Volume discounts - for amounts of $100,000-$299,000 and $300,000-$499,000 and $500,000-$750,000 there are volume discounts which yield a lower per $1,000 rate for each level of in force amounts.

    G-29104-0 (10-year term)

    • Available to all ABA members under the age of 65 who reside in the United States (except Vermont and Washington), Puerto Rico, Canada (except Quebec and Ontario), or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    • Ten Year Term Life Plan - Choose a benefit from $100,000 up to $2,000,000 - Spouse coverage is available - up to 100% of the member amount.
    • Rates are locked in and guaranteed for 10 years. Volume discounts - the higher the benefit amount, the more you can save. The cost of this life insurance is based upon the member and spouse's gender, amount of insurance requested, usage of tobacco/nicotine products, health status, and attained age on the date the application is postmarked. Only non-smokers meeting the highest underwriting standards may qualify for the Preferred rates. Other non-smokers may qualify for the Select rates, higher but still competitive. Smokers may qualify for the Standard rates only.
    • Termination age 75.

    G-29168-0 (20-year term)

    • Available to all ABA members under the age of 55 who reside in the United States (except Vermont, and Washington), Puerto Rico, Canada (except Quebec and Ontario), or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    • Twenty Year Term Life Plan
      • Chose a benefit from $100,000 up to $2,000,000
      • Spouse coverage is available - up to 100% of the member amount
    • Rates are locked in and guaranteed for 20 years. Volume discounts - the higher the benefit amount, the more you can save. The cost of this life insurance is based upon the member and spouse's gender, amount of insurance requested, usage of tobacco/nicotine products, health status, and attained age on the date the application is postmarked. Only non-smokers meeting the highest underwriting standards may qualify for the Preferred rates. Other non-smokers may qualify for the Select rates, higher but still competitive. Smokers may qualify for the Standard rates only.
    • Termination age 75.
  4. What are the current rates on the Group 10- and 20-Year Level Term Life Insurance Plans?

    See the Life Rate Chart located on this Web site.

  5. Can I apply for Group Term Life coverage for my spouse along with me?

    Yes, for up to 100% of your benefit but not to exceed the Group Policy maximum.

  6. Who is the current beneficiary on my Group Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment certificates?

    For your protection, beneficiary information cannot be provided over the phone or via e-mail. We can mail it to the insured member, unless that member is not the owner, in which case the information will be sent to the owner of the certificate in question.

  7. Are the Group Term Life rates expensive? Are they competitive?

    We feel our current plan rates are competitive particularly when you take into account that dividends from 18% to 43% of premium have been paid each year over the past ten years. (Neither future dividends nor their amounts are guaranteed.) If you deduct that from the premium to determine the cost of the insurance, we think you'll find the plan to be competitive.

  8. How does the 5-Year age banded Group Term Life Insurance Plan benefit decrease and at what age?

    For the current group term life plan, G-2766-3, each $1,000 option reduces to $660 at age 60 and to $460 at age 65, and to $300 at age 70. To calculate benefit at age 60, multiply the original benefit by .66, at age 65 by .46, and at age 70 by .30. The plan terminates at age 75.

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Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance

  1. I was in the emergency room for 4 hours. Does this qualify for benefits on the Hospital Indemnity Plan?

    No, you must be in the hospital for 18 hours and be billed for room and board charges in order to qualify for the daily benefit.

  2. What is the age limit on child coverage for the Hospital Indemnity Plan?

    You can insure your unmarried, dependent children to age 21, or 25 if they are a full-time student.

  3. Is one claim form needed for two separate hospital stays for the same illness?

    A separate claim form is needed for each hospital stay.

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Disability

  1. Can I purchase ABE's Disability Income insurance if I am not employed?

    No, the plan is designed to protect against the loss of your income in the event a disability occurs. If you're not employed, you have no income to replace.

  2. What if I work part-time or work temporary jobs from time to time?

    You must be employed full-time and actively at work to be covered and remain covered.

  3. What is the difference between the Mid-Term (MTD) and Long Term Disability (LTD) Plans?

    The major difference is the period of time for which benefits are paid. The Mid-Term Plan's maximum benefit period is two years for a sickness and five years for an accident. The Long Term Plan is payable to age 65 except if the disability begins on or after age 63, the benefit is payable for two years. Please see the Long Term and the Mid-Term Disability plans for more information.

  4. How would I calculate my annual earned income to decide what Disability Plan benefit amount I am eligible to apply for?

    Use the dollar amount you report on your taxes as earned income and divide it by 18 to get your correct benefit amount (if applying for benefit amounts of $7,500 and under). Divide by 20 for benefit amounts over $7500.

  5. Please explain your Disability Income policy benefits and rates.

    See Disability plan descriptions located within this website.

  6. Are Disability benefits payable for pregnancy?

    Pregnancy is covered as any other illness.

  7. Do I need to go through underwriting when I apply for the Disability Plan?

    Yes, the application will be reviewed by The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York. The underwriting process takes an average of six to eight weeks from the time we receive the application.

  8. How do I check on the status of my Disability claim?

    USL Claims Management Service Unit, Disability Specialists, is responsible for processing claims and their number is 800-959-9379.

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Group Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

  1. Are there common carrier benefits on the AD&D plan?

    Yes, there is a 10% common carrier benefit. In the event of death on a commercial aircraft, train, boat, or taxi (as a passenger), 10% of the benefit will be added to the death proceeds.

  2. If I pilot my own airplane, am I covered on the AD&D plan?

    No, the plan covers you only as a passenger and not as a pilot or crew of any licensed, commercial or non-military aircraft.

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Group Office Overhead Expense Insurance

  1. Does the Office Overhead plan cover my salary along with the office expenses?

    No, it does not cover your salary or any other attorney's salary. The ABE does offer a disability policy to replace part of your salary in the event of a disabling accident or sickness.

  2. Does the Office Overhead plan have a waiting period?

    Yes, it has a 30 day waiting period. You need to be totally disabled 30 consecutive days in order to start your benefit period.

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