FASNY/Provident AD&D Policy Working Well

As we approach the first anniversary of our new $10,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) policy with the Provident Agency Inc., it is proving to be a benefit for our membership. Our members still have some questions concerning this important program. We are glad to answer them to be able to serve you in the best manner possible, so please keep asking those questions. I thought it would be helpful to review some of the most-often asked questions that have arisen since the program debuted. (Inquiries regarding benefits should be made directly to Provident. You can find their address, phone and email as well as other pertinent AD&D policy information on our website, www.fasny.com, or by calling the FASNY Office at 1-800-2FASNY2.)

In 2011, the policy was utilized three times for the benefit of association members and their families. As the name implies, the Accidental Death and Dismemberment policy is there for the individual firefighter and his or her family’s protection. None of us want to see the benefits of this policy implemented, but it is after all a dangerous business we are in. Let’s all keep in mind that it is our safety that we must protect and the needs of our members and their families.

One of the many items to remember is that this is a 24/7 policy. This policy covers you as a FASNY member 24 hours a day, and the AD&D benefit is doubled when you are on  emergency duty as a firefighter or as an EMS responder. Please make a note to tell your family of this policy, as it remains in effect as long as you are a FASNY member. If your membership lapses, the policy becomes null and void.

Question: If my department or district already has an AD&D policy with Provident, does that policy remain in effect or go away?

Answer: If your department or district already has an AD&D policy in effect with Provident, it remains in effect as long as its premium is paid. Your FASNY AD&D policy would supplement this. Both policies would pay off at that point. Again, you must
make yourselves aware of what is being provided for you by your department or district.

Question: Do I have to name a beneficiary?

Answer: In most instances the named beneficiary follows the New York State Insurance Department designations in a sequence i.e., spouse, child or children, parents, sisters/brothers and, finally, the estate of the insured. If this is agreeable to your wishes, then you do not have to do anything further. If you wish to change your beneficiary or deviate from the above, then you must fill out a form changing your beneficiary. These forms are available on our website, or you can contact Provident and they will help you make the change.

Question: Can I opt out of this policy?

Answer: The FASNY AD&D policy is contingent on the full enrollment of all FASNY  members with Provident. Therefore, all of our members must automatically be enrolled in  the policy. Having all of our members enrolled keeps the costs manageable while ensuring  all our members will have access to this benefit if they ever need it.

It has become clear to FASNY that our members view this policy as a true benefit of  FASNY membership. We know that it will continue to be a good product for our   membership and to provide a bit of monetary protection for the families of our injured and deceased firefighters.

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all the best in 2012, and please work safely.