Online process makes Optional/Dependent Term Life EOI easier

On February 1, Minnesota Life, the administrator for ERS’ life insurance, made it possible for Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) members to submit proof of good health (also known as evidence of insurability, or EOI) for Optional Term Life and/or Dependent Term Life Insurance online. The new web-based process should make it more convenient for you to apply for Life EOI – and faster to get a response – although the option to mail or fax paper Life EOI forms will still be available. 

 EOI is an application process in which a member provides information on the condition of his or her health and/or dependent's health to be approved for certain benefits. Life EOI is the application process for Optional Life or Dependent Life coverage. 

To start the Life EOI process, sign in to your personal ERS online account or submit a paper Benefits Election Form to your benefits coordinator. You or your benefits coordinator elects the coverage you want in the online system – either with a qualifying life event or during Annual Enrollment. This will initiate the Life EOI process that prompts Minnesota Life to send you instructions for submitting Life EOI. At this point, you (or you benefits coordinator) can select if you’d like to receive the instructions by email or a mailed letter. Regardless of whether you choose to receive an email or letter, you will still have the option of submitting your Life EOI application online or with a mailed/faxed paper form, because the email or letter will have instructions for both.

As in the past, after your first 31 days of employment, you can apply for Optional/Dependent Term Life Insurance only during Annual Enrollment or if you have a qualifying life event, and Life EOI is required at these times. The only thing different is that the online process should be easier and less time consuming. (Please note that the EOI process for short- and long-term disability insurance, which is administered by Dearborn National, has not changed.)

You can find more information about the Life EOI process on the ERS website or by calling Minnesota Life toll-free at (877) 494-1716. We hope you’ll take advantage of this convenient new option.