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Questions and Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
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WAEPA vs. FEGLI - Frequently Asked Questions
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Why are your rates less than Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) rates?
WAEPA is a non-profit association that does not pay commissions to agents or dividends to stockholders. These savings are passed on to WAEPA members who are part of a select group.
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How do WAEPA rates compare to FEGLI?
WAEPA rates are generally signifcantly less than FEGLI rates.
Please view our
WAEPA vs. FEGLI Rate Comparison page.
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How do WAEPA benefits compare to FEGLI?
WAEPA offers more benefits and coverage than FEGLI.
Please view our
WAEPA vs. FEGLI Benefit Comparison page.
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Does WAEPA have an Open Season like FEGLI?
WAEPA does not have an Open Season like FEGLI because with WAEPA you can join or make changes at any time.
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General Questions About WAEPA - Frequently Asked Questions
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How is WAEPA rated for financial soundness?
WAEPA itself, as a nonprofit association, is not rated. Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, the company that underwrites WAEPA's insurance program, is rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.
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How long has WAEPA been in business?
Formed in 1943, WAEPA celebrates its 62nd year of business in 2005.
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Is WAEPA connected to the U.S. government?
No. WAEPA is a non-profit association governed by a board of U.S. government employees who serve without compensation. The program is administered by a professional staff.
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May I keep my WAEPA group life insurance coverage if I leave government employment?
Yes. Once insured with WAEPA, there will be no change to your coverage due to a change in your employment status. Your coverage may continue until age 85.
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What is group term life insurance?
Group term life insurance is one-year renewable term insurance. Coverage is issued by an insurance carrier (Connecticut General Life Insurance Company) to a policyholder (WAEPA) for the purpose of insuring the policyholder's members. The economies of scale allow the insurance carrier to charge lower premiums to a group than it can charge to individuals.
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Membership - Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is eligible to apply for WAEPA's group term life insurance coverage?
Current or retired Civilian U. S. government employees, including non-appropriated fund (NAF) employees and U.S. Postal Service employees are eligible. Spouses, parents, parents-in-law, non-dependent adult children and step-children of current WAEPA members, younger than 65 years of age, may apply for group term life insurance coverage through WAEPA.
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May I keep my WAEPA group life insurance coverage if I leave government employment?
Yes. Once insured with WAEPA, there will be no change to your coverage due to a change in your employment status. Your coverage may continue until age 85.
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How much insurance coverage may I apply for?
You may apply for up to $750,000 of group life insurance for yourself and up to $250,000 of dependent group life insurance for your spouse. Eligible, dependent children may be insured for up to $25,000 depending on the level of spousal coverage selected. Spousal coverage is limited to 50 percent of the member's coverage.
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How are premiums calculated?
Premiums for all coverage are based on your age and will increase every five years when you enter a new age group.
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May I pay premiums through payroll deductions?
Currently employed federal workers are eligible for payroll deduction. A direct deposit sign-up form (form 1199A) will be mailed to you after your insurance coverage is issued. Simply complete the form and submit it to your federal payroll office to begin automatic payroll deductions of your WAEPA premiums. Associate members (spouses and family of WAEPA members) are not eligible for payroll deduction.
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How do I apply for insurance coverage?
By completing an application and statement of physical condition.
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Is a medical examination required?
A medical examination may be required (even for members) depending on your age, the amount of
insurance for which you are applying, and your answers to the questions on the Statement of Physical
Condition. If a medical examination is required, it will be performed at no cost to you by a medical
examiner appointed by WAEPA.
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How long will it take to get my insurance?
Please allow up to 12 weeks (even for members) to complete the application process and receive your certificate of insurance.
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What if I am not satisfied with my WAEPA group life insurance?
New members who are not completely satisfied -- for any reason - with their WAEPA group life insurance may request a refund of all premiums paid. Refunds are made with no questions asked, provided your request is submitted in writing within 30 days of the effective date of your insurance coverage.
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Spouse and Dependents - Frequently Asked Questions
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Would my spouse get better insurance by joining WAEPA?
Yes. WAEPA offers coverage from $10,000 up to $250,000 for your dependent spouse.
The current FEGLI maximum is $25,000. Plus WAEPA offers lower premium rates for dependent coverage.
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Now that my kids are not dependents, could I still help them benefit from WAEPA's exceptional coverage?
Yes. Your non-dependent adult children are eligible to become Associate Members and then can
apply for coverage from $25,000 up to $750,000.
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Associate Member - Frequently Asked Questions
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Why did WAEPA create the associate member category?
There are limits on the amount of insurance we can offer spouses under our dependent group life program. Many of our members have indicated that their spouses need higher levels of insurance coverage. Also, the Associate Member category provides additional coverage to family of WAEPA members.
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Who is eligible for associate member status?
Spouses and family of current WAEPA members are eligible for associate membership. Family of WAEPA members are defined as parents, parents-in-law, non-dependent adult children and stepchildren of WAEPA members.
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Are the premiums or coverage levels different for members and associate members?
No. Premiums and coverage benefits are identical.
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Can a spouse be covered as both a dependent and as an associate member?
No.
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What happens to my current dependent coverage?
As soon as your spouse's coverage is approved we will automatically cancel the spousal dependent coverage. However, coverage on your dependent children will remain in effect. (Please remember that one premium covers your spouse AND all dependent children. Therefore, there will be no reduction in premium for your dependent coverage, even if your spouse is no longer insured.)
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Can dependent children be covered by both the member and associate member?
No. Only the member OR associate member may cover dependent children.
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Can spouses of former WAEPA members apply for associate membership?
Yes!
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What if I terminate my insurance coverage? Will my spouse or family member (the associate member) remain insured?
Absolutely. Once your spouse or family member becomes an associate member, his or her coverage cannot be cancelled even if you leave the Association.
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Coverage and Benefits - Frequently Asked Questions
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May I keep my WAEPA group life insurance coverage if I leave government employment?
Yes. Once insured with WAEPA, there will be no change to your coverage due to a change in your employment status. Your coverage may continue until you reach age 85.
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May I change my insurance coverage?
You may reduce your coverage at any time via a written request. Members younger than 65 years of age may apply for additional coverage by completing a new application and statement of physical condition. This will entail a complete application process where you may be approved or declined for the increase in coverage. If, as a current WAEPA Member, you are declined for the application for increase coverage, you will retain your existing WAEPA coverage.
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What happens when I reach age 85?
Your WAEPA membership and insurance coverage will terminate. You may convert your group life insurance to an individual plan offered by WAEPA's insurance carrier (Connecticut General Life Insurance Company) at standard rates and without a medical examination.
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