Life insurance available to members

Colonial Life to offer policies, with enrollment starting in June

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

May 10, 2022 – The Ohio Public Employees Retirement System has announced that the Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Co. will offer term life and whole life policies to OPERS members for the fifth consecutive year during an open enrollment period this year.

The policies will be available to active members, their spouses and children, and may be extended to grandchildren. The voluntary insurance would be in addition to life insurance that members’ employers might offer, and OPERS members would bear the cost.

The three Colonial Life digital postcards scheduled to be emailed to OPERS members in 2022 contain more information about virtual enrollment. The postcards also contain links to videos explaining the coverage options and details on how to connect with a Colonial Life benefit counselor. The policies will be guaranteed issue, within certain limits, during this year’s open-enrollment period.

A recorded webinar also will be included in this year’s emails to OPERS members and will provide additional details on the Colonial Life voluntary benefit offerings available, as well as details on how to connect with a benefit counselor.

This year’s open enrollment period will be June 1-Sept. 22.

Our members can enroll in a policy by speaking with a local Colonial Life benefits counselor using a virtual enrollment option, or over the phone with a representative at Colonial Life’s home office. The virtual enrollment option allows members the flexibility of connecting with their benefit counselor via conference call, video chat or screen-share, with one click of a link.

For more information, refer to the first of three digital postcards planned for 2022 and the recorded webinar.

Michael Pramik

Michael Pramik is communication strategist for the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and editor of the PERSpective blog. As an experienced business journalist, he clarifies complex pension policies and helps members make smart choices to secure their retirement.