Life

Basic Life* insurance is provided at no cost to annuitants and active employees. This term life coverage is provided in an amount equal to the annual salary of active employees. The Basic Life amount for annuitants under age 60 is equal to the annual salary as of the last day of active State employment. For annuitants age 60 or older, the Basic Life amount is $5,000. The life insurance plan offers eligible members the option to purchase additional life insurance to supplement the Basic Life insurance provided by the State.

Optional Life* coverage is available to all members. Annuitants under age 60 and active employees can elect coverage in an amount equal to 1-8 times their Basic Life amount; annuitants age 60 and older can elect 1-4 times their Basic Life amount. Members enrolled with Optional Life coverage should be aware of rate increases due to age. Rate increases due to age go into effect the first pay period following the member’s birthday. The maximum benefit allowed for Member Optional Life plus Basic Life coverage is $3,000,000.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)* is available to members in either (1) an amount equal to their Basic Life amount or (2) an amount equal to their Optional Life coverage amount, up to four times their Basic Life amount. Spouse Life* coverage is available in a lump sum amount of $10,000 for the spouse of active employees and annuitants under age 60. Spouse Life coverage and the corresponding premium decreases to $5,000 for annuitants age 60 and older.

Child Life* coverage is available in a lump sum amount of $10,000 for each child. The monthly contribution for Child Life coverage applies to all dependent children regardless of the number of children enrolled.

When adding optional life coverage, such as Spouse Life and/or Child Life coverage, or when adding or increasing member Optional Life coverage, a Statement of Health application (PDF 558 KB) must be submitted to the plan administrator for approval. Approvals are effective the first day of the following pay period. Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage may be added at any time without Statement of Health approval.

Minnesota Life administers life insurance benefits. Members should maintain an up-to-date beneficiary form (PDF 76 KB) especially when life-changing events, such as marriage or divorce, occur. All life coverage benefits may be found in the Life Certificate (PDF 307 KB).

Members and dependents whose life coverage terminates have the option to continue coverage through porting (PDF 74 KB) or converting (PDF 150 KB) their life coverage within 31 days of the coverage termination date. Individuals interested in this option should contact Minnesota Life for assistance at (888) 202-5525.

* Survivors have different life insurance benefits and should contact their retirement system for details.