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Disability Insurance

ADF# DI13475.24

GROUP DISABILITY

MEMBER HANDBOOK

For Active State Employees

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Introduction

Short-term Disability Insurance Coverage Options

Long-term Disability Insurance Coverage Options

Important Answers To Some Common Questions

Payable Benefit Period Calculation - Short-term Disability Examples . . . 14

Limitations & Exclusions

WELCOME!

Financial experts have long recommended disability insurance as part of a sound financial plan should you be unable to work due to illness or injury. Your ability to earn an income is indeed one of your most valuable assets.

The following is a summary of the Partners for Health short- and long-term disability programs.

Special considerations: If you work in a state with state-mandated disability or paid medical leave benefits (“State Benefits”),1 you should carefully consider whether to enroll for this coverage. If you are eligible for State Benefits, you must apply if required by state law. If permitted, your STD benefit will be reduced by State Benefits or other government benefits that apply. Depending on your compensation, the amount of the State Benefit, and other factors, you may only receive the minimum weekly benefit. You should consider, based on your individual circumstances, whether you need additional coverage beyond the State Benefit.

How does the MetLife disability insurance benefit you?

car payments, mortgage payments, groceries, child care, tuition and more.

Disability insurance might be right for you if you…

The short- and long-term disability insurance programs

Short-term disability — Two options to choose from:

Option A: Up to 60% of your weekly predisability salary; benefit period starts after 14 calendar days*

Option B: Up to 60% of your weekly predisability salary; benefit period starts after 30 calendar days*

1. These jurisdictions include, but may not be limited to, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Washington (and Delaware and Minnesota as of 1/1/26, Maine as of 5/1/26, and Maryland as of 7/1/26).

Central State Government and State Higher Education Employees: The state pays the premiums for long-term disability option 3 insurance. Newly hired employees will automatically be enrolled in this coverage. This is guaranteed issue coverage, and employees don’t have to answer medical questions.

Long-term disability — Four options to choose from:

Option 1: Up to 60% of your monthly predisability salary; benefit period starts after 90 calendar days*

Option 2: Up to 60% of your monthly predisability salary; benefit period starts after 180 calendar days*

Option 3: Up to 63% of your monthly predisability salary; benefit period starts after 90 calendar days*

Option 4: 63% of your monthly predisability salary; benefit period starts after 180 calendar days* *All accrued paid leave (annual leave, sick leave and comp time) and paid parental leave must be exhausted before benefit payments begin.

Helpful tools

(7 a.m.- 10 p.m. CT, Mon – Fri) or visit metlife.com/StateofTN

Please be sure to review the short-term and long-term certificates of coverage for complete details about this coverage from MetLife. You’ll find information about your plan’s benefit amounts, estimated rates, terms and conditions. As one of the nation’s leading providers of worksite disability benefits, MetLife will provide you with caring, compassionate and accurate claims service if you experience a disability.

SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE OPTIONS

Calculate Your Monthly Premium for Short-term Disability Insurance For this example, we’re using an employee earning $45,000 annually, selecting Option A.

1. Annual salary will be based on your date-of-hire salary for new hires; thereafter, the gross base annual salary you make on Sep. 1 of each calendar year determines the benefit you are eligible for beginning Oct. 1 of each calendar year.

2. The amount of STD benefit may not exceed the maximum weekly benefit established under the plan of $2,500 regardless of your annual salary amount. Therefore, the maximum covered monthly salary eligible for benefit is $18,055.57, or $216,666.84 annually. This will be the same for Option A or B.

Steps Example Workspace

1. � Determine your covered monthly salary (Annual salary1 divided by 12.)

If your annual salary exceeds $216,666.84, enter $18,055.57 as your covered monthly salary.2

$45,000 ÷ 12 = $3,750

2. � Divide covered monthly salary by $100 to get your per $100 of covered monthly salary

$3,750 ÷ 100 = $37.50

3. Calculate your approximate monthly premium (Multiply your per $100 of covered monthly salary by the appropriate rate based on option elected)

$37.50 x $0.41 = $15.38

Short-term Disability Insurance Rates The following monthly premiums are effective Jan. 1, 2025–Dec. 31, 2025. Your premium will be paid through convenient payroll deduction.

Short-term Disability Cost: Per $100 Of Member’s Covered Monthly Salary

Option A: 60%, 14-day elimination period $0.41

Option B: 60%, 30-day elimination period $0.33

1. Annual salary will be based on your date-of-hire salary for new hires; thereafter, the gross base annual salary you make on Sep. 1 of each calendar year determines the benefit you are eligible for beginning Oct. 1 of each calendar year.

you authorize us to review. In certain cases, MetLife may request additional information to evaluate your request for coverage.

4. Pre-existing condition means a sickness or accidental injury for which you: 1) received medical treatment, consultation, care or services; or took prescribed medication or had medications prescribed; in the three months before your insurance under the certificate takes effect.

Option A Option B

Eligibility

All employees working not less than 30 hours/week; or seasonal employees hired prior to July 1, 2015, with 24 months of service and certified by their appointing authority to work at least 1,450 hours per fiscal year (July-June); or deemed eligible by applicable federal law, state law or action of the State Insurance Committee.

% of Gross Annual Base Salary1 Paid Weekly Up to 60% of salary paid weekly

Maximum Weekly Benefit Up to $2,500

Minimum Weekly Benefit2 $25

Elimination Period 14 calendar days 30 calendar days

Maximum Benefit Period 26 weeks

Evidence of Insurability3 Guaranteed issue (no health questions asked) for new hires who enroll within 30 days of eligibility date. A full Statement of Health is required for new applicants and for current participants in Option B electing Option A during the 2025 Annual Enrollment period.

Benefit Pre-existing Condition4 Benefits are not excluded due to a pre-existing condition.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE OPTIONS

Eligible central state government and state higher education employees can enroll in long-term disability Option 3, for which the state will pay 100% of the premiums. There is no additional cost to employees for this coverage. Employees may enroll in LTD Option 1, 2 or 4 and pay the full monthly premium. There are no health questions to answer for LTD coverage.

Eligible employees of state offline agencies can enroll in LTD Option 1, 2, 3 or 4 and pay the full monthly premium. There are no health questions to answer during an employee’s initial eligibility period.

1. Annual salary will be based on your date-of-hire salary for new hires; thereafter, the gross base annual salary you make on Sep. 1 of each calendar year determines the benefit you are eligible for beginning Oct. 1 of each calendar year.

2. The minimum monthly benefit will not apply if you are receiving 100% of your predisability salary under the policyholder’s paid leave policy, which includes annual leave, sick leave, compensatory leave and any other employer paid leave programs.

3. Pre-existing condition means a sickness or accidental injury for which you: 1) received medical treatment, consultation, care or services; or took prescribed medication or had medications prescribed; in the three months before your insurance under the certificate takes effect.

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4

Eligibility

All employees working not less than 30 hours/week; seasonal employees hired prior to July 1, 2015, with 24 months of service and certified by their appointing authority to work at least 1,450 hours per fiscal year (July-June); or deemed eligible by applicable federal law, state law or action of the State Insurance Committee.

% of Gross Annual Base Salary1 Paid Monthly Up to 60% of salary paid monthly Up to 63% of salary paid monthly

Maximum Monthly Benefit Up to $7,500 per month (covers annual salary of $150,000)

Up to $10,000 per month (covers annual salary of $190,476.24)

Minimum Monthly Benefit2 Greater of 10% of benefit or $100 per month

Elimination Period 90 calendar days 180 calendar days 90 calendar days 180 calendar days

Own Occupation 24 months 24 months 36 months 36 months

Maximum Benefit Period Disabled prior to age 65, then to Social Security normal retirement age; age 65, 24 months;

age 66, 21 months; age 67, 18 months; age 68, 15 months; age 69+, 12 months

Evidence of Insurability Guaranteed issue (no health questions asked) for all New Hires who enroll within 30 days of initial eligibility date or for Central State Government and State Higher Education employees during the Annual Enrollment.

Benefit Pre-existing Condition3 Benefits are not payable for a disability that results from a pre-existing condition if member has been actively at work for less than 12 consecutive months after disability insurance became effective.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE OPTIONS (continued)

Long-term Disability Insurance Rates The following monthly premiums are effective Jan. 1, 2025–Dec. 31, 2025. Long-term disability insurance cost is based on the plan option you elect and your age as of Sep. 1. Your age will be adjusted each subsequent year on Sep. 1 and the cost paid by your employer and/or you will increase effective Oct. 1 in each year that you age into the next cost bracket.

LTD: Employee’s Age (Per $100 of Covered Monthly Salary)

Benefit%/Elimination Period Under 30 31-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70

Option 1 60%/90 days – Employee Premium $.06 $.06 $.12 $.17 $.22 $.27 $.32 $.42 $.28 $.28

Option 2 60%/180 days – Employee Premium $.05 $.05 $.09 $.14 $.17 $.21 $.25 $.33 $.22 $.22

Option 3 63%/90 days – Employee Premium for State Offline Agencies

$.07 $.07 $.14 $.21 $.27 $.33 $.39 $.52 $.34 $.34

63%/90 days – Employee Premium for Central State Government and State Higher Education

$.00 $.00 $.00 $.00 $.00 $.00 $.00 $.00 $.00 $.00

63%/90 days – Employer Premium for Central State Government and State Higher Education

$.278 $.278 $.278 $.278 $.278 $.278 $.278 $.278 $.278 $.278

Option 4 63%/180 days – Employee Premium $.06 $.06 $.12 $.17 $.21 $.26 $.31 $.41 $.27 $.27

How to file a disability claim

form to the MetLife Claims office address and/or fax number below:

Metropolitan Insurance Company PO Box 14590 Lexington, KY 40512 Fax: 1-800-230-9531

• You can track the status of your claim online or on the MetLife US App. Search “MetLife” in the App Store® or Google Play® to download the app.

Information we may need from you

Personal Information — Name, address, telephone number, Social Security number, employee identification number and job title.

Job Information — Workplace location and address, work schedule, supervisor’s name and telephone number and date of hire.

Sickness/Injury Information — Last day worked; nature of the illness/absence; how, when and where the injury occurred; when the disability commenced; and actual or approximate date you anticipate returning to work (if known).

Treatment Provider Information — Name, address, telephone number and fax number for each treating health care provider.

Authorization to Release Your Medical Information — The release of your medical information to MetLife may be required. You should inform your health care provider(s) that MetLife will be administering your claim or leave and that you authorize the release of your medical information to the MetLife claims office.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE OPTIONS (continued)

What do the terms “disabled” and “disability” mean? How are they defined?

For Short-term Disability

“Disabled” or “disability” means that, due to sickness, or as a direct result of accidental injury:

• You are receiving appropriate care and treatment and complying with the requirements of such treatment; and

• You are unable to earn more than 80% of your predisability salary at your own job at the state of Tennessee.

For purposes of determining whether a disability is the direct result of an accidental injury, the disability must have occurred within 90 days of the accidental injury and resulted from such injury independent of other causes.

If your occupation requires a license, the fact that you lose your license for any reason will not, in itself, constitute disability.

For Long-term Disability

“Disabled” or “disability” means that, due to sickness or as a direct result of accidental injury:

• During the elimination period and the next 24 months for LTD Plans 1 & 2 (the next 36 months for LTD Plans 3 & 4) of sickness or accidental injury:

• �You are unable to perform the duties of your own occupation and you are receiving appropriate care and treatment and complying with the requirements of such treatment; or

• �You are unable to earn more than 80% of your predisability salary at your own occupation and you are receiving appropriate care and treatment and complying with the requirements of such treatment.

qualified, taking into account your training, education and experience, and you are receiving appropriate care and treatment and complying with the requirements of such treatment; or

• �You are unable to earn more than 60% of your predisability salary from any employer in your local economy at any gainful occupation for which you are reasonably qualified, taking into account your training, education and experience, and you are receiving appropriate care and treatment and complying with the requirements of such treatment.

For purposes of determining whether a disability is the direct result of an accidental injury, the disability must have occurred within 90 days of the accidental injury and resulted from such injury independent of other causes.

What is my predisability salary, and when is it determined?

Your gross base annual salary is defined as your predisability salary. The gross base annual salary you make on Sept. 1 of each calendar year determines the benefit you are eligible for beginning Oct. 1 of each calendar year.

For new hires, annual salary will be based on your date-of-hire salary, and coverage will be effective after you complete one full calendar month of employment.

IMPORTANT ANSWERS TO

SOME COMMON QUESTIONS

Annually, there will be a benefit and premium level adjustment. If your salary has changed from the prior year, your benefit and premium will change accordingly using the gross base annual salary you make on Sep. 1. This adjustment will become effective on Oct. 1.

When do short-term disability benefit payments begin and how long do they continue?

If the claimant meets the applicable definition of disability, benefit payments will begin after the end of the elimination period and once all accrued paid leave (annual leave, sick leave and comp time) and paid parental leave have been exhausted. The elimination period begins on the day you become disabled and is the length of time you must wait while being disabled before you are eligible to receive a benefit. Your elimination periods for short-term disability are as follows and will depend on which plan is chosen:

Option A: 14 calendar days;

Option B: 30 calendar days;

The maximum benefit period is 26 weeks. The benefit period starts once the elimination period has been satisfied, but the benefit payments will not start until all accrued paid leave (annual leave, sick leave and comp time) and paid parental leave have been exhausted. Please note every disability is different, and for numerous reasons, not every disability may last for the maximum period.

For a full list of frequently asked questions, please visit metlife.com/StateofTN.

IMPORTANT ANSWERS TO SOME

COMMON QUESTIONS (continued)

How do I apply for coverage?

Enroll in short-term disability during your initial eligibility period. Coverage will become effective the first of the following month.

After your initial eligibility period, you can apply for short-term disability online in Edison Employee Self Service if you experience an acquire event or loss of eligibility for other coverage event. If applying due to experiencing one of these events, your completed Statement of Health for short-term disability coverage must be emailed or mailed to MetLife within 30 days. Coverage, if approved by MetLife, will be the first of the following month. If additional medical review is required, your effective date could be later.

You can also apply for STD during the Annual Enrollment period (Oct. 1 - Oct. 18, 2024). Annual Enrollment deadline is Oct. 18, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Your completed Statement of Health for short-term disability coverage, if elected, must be emailed or mailed to MetLife by Nov. 15, 2024. Coverage for approved short-term disability insurance will be Jan. 1, 2025, or later if additional medical review is required.

For newly hired central state government and state higher education employees, enrollment will be automatic for long-term disability option 3 with premiums fully paid by the state. Coverage will be effective the first of the month following the employee’s initial waiting period. These employees can select LTD options 1, 2 or 4 and self-pay the premiums, instead of LTD option 3. During Annual Enrollment (Oct. 1 - Oct. 18, 2024), these employees may change to a different LTD option to be effective January 1, 2025. Existing coverage will remain the same for 2025 if no changes are made during the 2025 Annual Enrollment Period. Another opportunity for these employees to change the coverage option is when the employee experiences an acquire or loss of eligibility for other coverage event. A Statement of Health is never required for enrollment by central state government or state higher education employees.

Newly hired state offline agency employees can select long-term disability option 1, 2, 3 or 4 during their initial eligibility period. A Statement of Health is not required. Coverage will be effective the first of the month following the employee’s initial waiting period. The employee will be responsible for all premium payments. During Annual Enrollment (Oct. 1 - Oct. 18, 2024), these employees may change to a different LTD option or apply for initial enrollment to be effective January 1, 2025. Existing coverage will remain the same for 2025 if no changes are made during the 2025 Annual Enrollment Period. A Statement of Health is required for new enrollment or if requesting to change to a better benefit option. Another opportunity for these employees to apply for coverage or apply to change to a different coverage option is when the employee experiences an acquire or loss of eligibility for other coverage event; a Statement of Health will be required.

IMPORTANT ANSWERS TO SOME COMMON QUESTIONS (continued)

When do long-term disability benefit payments begin and how long do they continue?

If the claimant meets the applicable definition of disability, benefit payments will begin after the end of the elimination period and once all accrued paid leave (annual leave, sick leave and comp time) and paid parental leave have been exhausted. The elimination period begins on the day you become disabled and is the length of time you must wait while being disabled before you are eligible to receive a benefit. Your elimination periods for long-term disability are as follows and will depend on which option is chosen:

Option 1: 90 calendar days

Option 2: 180 calendar days

Option 3: 90 calendar days

Option 4: 180 calendar days

Your plan’s maximum benefit period is dependent on your age on your date of disability. Monthly payments may last to a maximum benefit period of age 65, or your Social Security normal retirement age, after you satisfy the elimination period.

If you are age 65 or older on the date of disability, your maximum benefit period is as follows:

Age 65, 24 months | Age 66, 21 months | Age 67, 18 months | Age 68, 15 months | Age 69+, 12 months

The benefit period starts once the elimination period has been satisfied, but the benefit payments will not start until all accrued paid leave (annual leave, sick leave and comp time) and paid parental leave have been exhausted. Please note every disability is different, and for numerous reasons, not every disability may last for the maximum period.

I have leave time accrued. Does this affect my short-term and long-term disability benefit?

Yes. You must use all of your accrued leave, which includes all sick, annual and any compensatory leave, and paid parental leave, before your disability payments begin. You will not be paid from two different sources for your disability.

Your disability payment will begin after your pay from any accrued leave ends.

Every employee’s situation is different. Consider how much accrued sick and annual leave you have when deciding whether to purchase short-term and/or long-term disability insurance.

Will using days from the Sick Leave Bank impact my STD and LTD benefit payments?

You are NOT required to use days from the Sick Leave Bank. However, if you withdraw days from your Sick Leave Bank, any Sick Leave Bank days that extend beyond the STD benefit start date will be an offset to the STD benefit. You will not be paid from two different sources for your disability. Your disability payment from MetLife will begin after your pay from the Sick Leave Bank ends.

For a full list of frequently asked questions, please visit

IMPORTANT ANSWERS TO SOME

COMMON QUESTIONS (continued)

How do short-term and long-term disability work with the Family and Medical Leave Act?

If you are on FMLA leave due to your own disability, you may be eligible to receive disability benefits if you meet the definition of disability per the plan. If you are on FMLA leave for any other reason, such as care of a family member, for example, you are not eligible to receive disability benefits. While on FMLA leave, you will be billed for disability coverage just as you are for other benefits, such as dental or life.

Can I receive benefits if I return to work part-time?

Yes, as long as you are disabled and meet the terms of your disability plan, you may qualify for adjusted disability benefits.

Are there any limitations for pre-existing conditions?

For Short-term Disability: No.

For Long-term Disability: Yes. If you become disabled within the first 12 months of your coverage becoming effective, the plan will not cover a sickness or accidental injury for which you received treatment, consultation or care, or took medications or were prescribed medications in the three months prior to your participation in the plan.

Are there any exclusions to my short-term and long-term disability coverage?

Yes. Short-term and long-term disability insurance do not cover any disability which results from or is caused or contributed to by:

Short-term disability insurance does not cover any disability caused or contributed to by elective treatment or procedures, such as:

pregnancies and complications from any of these procedures will be treated as a sickness.

For a complete list of exclusions, please refer to the list at the end of this booklet or the Certificate of Coverage.

How do I pay for coverage?

Central state government and state higher education employees: Coverage for short-term disability and long-term disability Options 1, 2 and 4 is paid through payroll deductions. The employer pays for LTD Option 3.

State Offline Agency Employees: All short-term and long-term disability coverage is paid for by the member. Consult with your agency benefits coordinator regarding the details of premium payment.

PREGNANCY QUESTIONS – SHORT-TERM DISABILITY

Is there a difference in the amount of disability time allowed for a cesarean delivery versus a normal vaginal delivery?

Generally:

Can I receive disability benefits for any period of time prior to my expected date of delivery?

In many cases, women are able to work up until their delivery. However, there are times when problems may arise and there is a need to take leave before the child is born. Ante-partum time (before delivery) of up to two weeks is allowed without medical documentation. However, if your first day absent is more than two weeks before delivery, then medical documentation must be sent to MetLife.

What if I have problems with my pregnancy and need to be out of work earlier or longer than expected?

You should start a claim for disability. MetLife will notify your doctor and request medical information to evaluate your disability. MetLife will use the medical information to make a claim decision.

When are benefits payable?

The benefit period will begin the day after you satisfy the elimination period of either 14 or 30 calendar days. However, benefits are only payable after all accrued paid leave (annual leave, sick leave and comp time) and paid parental leave have been exhausted.

When should I file my disability claim?

Typically, you should file your claim on the last day worked. However, you should check your employer’s plan documents and the FAQs on the MetLife disability website for more information: metlife.com/StateofTN.

How do I file my disability claim?

MetLife offers claim filing through the internet, via telephone or paper. However, you should check your employer’s plan documents and the FAQs on the MetLife disability website for more information: metlife.com/StateofTN.

How will I know when a decision about my claim has been made?

A MetLife case manager will call you and provide a letter outlining the claim decision.

What information does my doctor need to provide to MetLife for my disability?

Your doctor will need to confirm your pregnancy and provide dates (due/delivery date). The doctor will also need to advise if there is anything else that the case manager should be aware of to assist with the handling of your disability claim.

How does paid parental leave affect my short-term disability claim?

Both paid parental leave and any accrued leave (annual leave, sick leave and comp time) must be exhausted before benefit payments begin.

For more information about a claim or benefits, contact MetLife at 1-855-700-8001, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., CT

PREGNANCY QUESTIONS – SHORT-TERM DISABILITY

What are some example disability claims due to pregnancy?

(For illustrative purposes only.)

Leave of absence timeline (weeks): normal vs. cesarean delivery

Normal delivery with no pre or post time disabled, 30-day elimination period and six weeks of paid parental leave available:

Cesarean delivery with no pre or post time disabled, 30-day elimination period, six weeks of paid parental leave and one week of accrued leave available:

Disability period minus elimination period = benefit period Benefit period minus parental/accrued paid leave after elimination period = payable benefit period

Even with a shorter elimination period of 14 days in the “Normal delivery” example above, the payable benefit period is also zero weeks due to the amount of paid parental leave. Similarly, changing to a 14-day elimination period in the “Cesarean delivery” example above, the payable benefit period would be one week.

Each pregnancy is different, and your disability period may vary from these examples. These examples illustrate the basic anticipated benefit for normal pregnancy. If you have considerable accrued sick or annual leave, such as paid parental leave, this short-term disability policy may not provide significant value for a normal delivery, but it may provide significant value in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Contact MetLife directly to discuss your specific situation.

If I receive other income, will it reduce my disability benefits?

Benefits payable during the payable benefit period may be reduced by other sources of income, e.g., worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance and Sick Leave Bank. See the Certificate of Coverage for a comprehensive list of other sources of income which may reduce your disability insurance benefit.

What type of benefit does MetLife manage for state of Tennessee employees who are pregnant?

MetLife manages short-term and long-term disability insurance benefits for state of Tennessee employees enrolled in the short-term and/or long-term disability insurance program. This includes employees who are unable to perform their job for the state of Tennessee due to child delivery or pregnancy complications.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Disability period

Elimination period Benefit period

Paid parental leave Accrued leave

Payable benefit period

1 2 3 4 5 6

Paid parental leave

Payable benefit period (0 weeks)

1. Disability Period – The period of time the member is deemed disabled per the plan definition. The disability period begins on the first day of disability and includes the elimination period and the benefit period. The disability period ends the day before returning to work or the end of the approved disability period, whichever occurs first. The disability period is calendar day-based.

2. Elimination Period – The portion of the disability period during which the short-term disability plan does not pay benefits. The elimination period begins on the first day of disability and continues for the consecutive 14- or 30-calendar-day period of time outlined in the plan in which the member is enrolled. Elimination period is calendar day-based.

3. Benefit Period – The portion of the disability period during which benefits may be payable. The benefit period starts on the calendar day after the elimination period has been satisfied and extends for the length of time approved by MetLife for the member’s specific disability, not to exceed the maximum benefit period of 26 calendar weeks.

4. Accrued Paid Leave – The amount of paid time off the member has accrued with his or her employer. This includes annual leave, sick leave and compensatory time. Use of accrued paid leave begins on the date of disability and runs concurrently with both the elimination period and disability period. All accrued paid leave must be used before disability benefit payments may begin. Accrued leave is work day/work hour-based.

5. Payable Benefit Period – The period of time the member may be paid after the elimination period has been satisfied and all accrued paid leave has been used.

To determine the benefit period payable by the STD plan:

PAYABLE BENEFIT PERIOD CALCULATION – SHORT-TERM

DISABILITY EXAMPLES

EXAMPLES BELOW

Condition A—Requires six weeks to recover Short-term Disability Timeline—Plan Option A

Situation Scenario:

Payment details:

STD plan with MetLife

NOTE: The maximum benefit period duration for STD is 26 weeks. However, each disability is different, and for numerous reasons, not all disabilities will result in the full 26-week benefit period being approved. These examples are for illustrative purposes only. Every disability may be different. Accrued leave is per work day and is hourly based.

Accrued leave varies by individual.

Elimination period is calendar day-based. Benefits payable during the payable benefit period may be reduced by other sources of income, e.g., worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance and Sick Leave Bank. See the Certificate of Coverage for a comprehensive list of other sources of income which may reduce the STD benefit.

Date of Disability Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Total

Short-term Disability—Disability Period 6 weeks

Elimination Period 14 calendar days

Benefit Period 4 calendar weeks

Accrued Paid Leave from the state of Tennessee. 1 work week of Accrued Paid Leave must exhaust. 1 work week

Elimination Period not paid by STD plan 2 weeks

Paid by STD plan for 4 calendar weeks.

Checks issued by MetLife STD plan.

4 calendar

DISABILITY EXAMPLES (continued)

NOTE: The maximum benefit period duration for STD is 26 weeks. However, each disability is different, and for numerous reasons, not all disabilities will result in the full 26-week benefit period being approved. These examples are for illustrative purposes only. Every disability may be different. Accrued leave is per work day and is hourly based.

Accrued leave varies by individual.

Elimination period is calendar day-based. Benefits payable during the payable benefit period may be reduced by other sources of income, e.g., worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance and Sick Leave Bank. See the Certificate of Coverage for a comprehensive list of other sources of income which may reduce the STD benefit.

Date of Disability Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Weeks

8-30 Total

Short-term Disability Period 30 weeks

Elimination Period 30 calendar days

Benefit Period 26 calendar

Accrued Paid Leave from the state of Tennessee* *�5 work weeks of Accrued Paid Leave must exhaust before STD benefit payments from MetLife are issued.

5 weeks

Elimination Period not paid by STD plan 4 weeks

STD Benefits offset by Accrued Paid Leave No check issued by MetLife. 1 week

Paid by STD plan for 25 calendar weeks. Checks issued by MetLife.

25 calendar

Condition B—Requires 30 weeks to recover Short-term Disability Timeline—Plan Option B

Situation Scenario:

Payment details:

DISABILITY EXAMPLES (continued)

Long-term disability insurance: Limitations

If you are disabled due to one or more of the following medical conditions described below, we will limit your disability benefits to a lifetime maximum equal to the lesser of:

Subject to the administration of limited disability benefits for disability due to mental and nervous disorders or diseases;

alcohol, drug or substance abuse or addiction; neuromuscular, musculoskeletal or soft-tissue disorders; chronic fatigue syndrome and related disorders; or fibromyalgia as set forth below:

Your disability benefits will be limited as stated above for:

1. Disability due to alcohol, drug or substance abuse or addiction; we require you to participate in an alcohol, drug or substance addiction recovery program recommended by a physician. We will end disability benefit payments at the earliest of the period described above or the date you cease, refuse to participate or complete such recovery program.

2. Mental or nervous disorder or disease that results from any cause, except for:

If you are confined in a hospital or mental health or alcohol and drug facility at the end of the period shown above for which benefits are to be paid, we will continue your monthly benefits until the end of your hospital or mental health or alcohol and drug facility confinement.

For purposes of this provision, mental health facility means a facility licensed in the jurisdiction in which it is located to provide care and treatment for a mental or nervous disorder or disease. Such facility must provide care on a 24-hour-a-day basis under the supervision of a staff of physicians and must provide a broad range of nursing care on a 24-hour-a-day basis by or under the direction of a registered professional nurse.

4. Chronic fatigue syndrome and related disorders.

5. Fibromyalgia.

LIMITATIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Administration of limited disability benefits for disability due to mental and nervous disorders or diseases

If no exception above applies, and you are disabled as a result of more than one injury or sickness for which disability benefits are payable under this certificate, each of which are subject to the provisions of the DI INSURANCE: LIMITED DISABILITY BENEFITS section, the benefit limitation periods will run concurrently for all such conditions.

DEFINED TERMS USED IN LIMITED DISABILITY BENEFITS

Carpal tunnel syndrome means an entrapment median neuropathy, which causes pain, numbness and other symptoms in the distribution of the median nerve due to its compression at the wrist.

Chronic fatigue syndrome means the clinically evaluated, unexplained persistent or relapsing chronic fatigue that is not substantially alleviated by rest. The diagnosis must be established following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention current clinical criteria as of the date of your disability.

Connective tissue disorder or disease means any of a group of diseases affecting the connective tissues of the body.

These conditions include, but are not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, Marfan syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or polymyositis. The diagnosis must be established using American College of Rheumatology current clinical criteria as of the date of your disability.

Fibromyalgia means a medical condition evidenced by widespread soft-tissue pain. The diagnosis must be established following the American College of Rheumatology current clinical criteria as of the date of your disability.

Mental or nervous disorder or disease means a medical condition which meets the diagnostic criteria set forth in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or as of the date of your disability.

Musculoskeletal means the bones, joints, joint capsules, cartilage or adjacent tendons, ligaments or muscles.

Myelopathies means disease of the spinal cord supported by objective clinical findings of spinal cord pathology.

Myopathies means diseases of muscle fibers, supported by pathological findings on biopsy or electromyography.

Neurocognitive disorder means a condition that meets the diagnostic criteria for neurocognitive disorders set forth in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as of the date of your disability, and the cognitive deficits that relate to the disability are not attributable to another mental or nervous disorder or disease.

Neurocognitive disorders include, but are not limited to, conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and traumatic brain injury.

Neuromuscular means the peripheral motor nerves and the muscles that such nerves supply. Related disorders means conditions that are similar to chronic fatigue syndrome in that the symptoms associated with the condition are comparable. These conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:

The diagnosis must be established following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention current clinical criteria as of the date of your disability.

Repetitive motion disorders means muscular conditions that result from repeated motions performed in the course of normal work or daily activities and affecting upper or lower extremities.

Schizophrenia means a chronic psychiatric disorder diagnosed in accordance with the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia set forth in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as of the date of your disability.

LIMITATIONS & EXCLUSIONS (continued) metlife.com Metropolitan Life Insurance Company | 200 Park Avenue | New York, NY 10166

L0724042217[exp0726][All States] © 2024 MetLife Services and Solutions, LLC

Seropositive arthritis means an inflammatory disease of the joints supported by clinical findings of arthritis plus positive serological tests for connective tissue disease.

Soft tissue means the muscle, fat, fibrous tissues and blood vessels which connect, support or surround the bony structures and organs of the body.

Spinal means components of the bony spine or spinal cord.

Spinal cord damage means injury or disease of the spinal cord with resultant paralysis.

Spinal vascular malformations means abnormal development of blood vessels within the spinal cord.

Tumor(s) means abnormal growths which may be malignant or benign.

Long-term and short-term disability insurance: Exclusions

We will not pay for any disability caused or contributed to by:

In addition to the above exclusions, the following is applicable only to short-term disability insurance:

We will not pay short-term benefits for any disability caused or contributed to by elective treatment or procedures, such as:

However, pregnancies and complications from any of these procedures will be treated as a sickness.

Please note that state variations may apply.

The member handbook provides a brief overview of the STD and LTD plans. A complete description of the benefits, provisions, conditions, limitations and exclusions will be included in the Certificate of Coverage. The Certificate of Coverage can be found on the Partners for Health website at tn.gov/partnersforhealth and on metlife.com/ StateofTN. We recommend you review this document. If any discrepancies exist between the information in this member handbook and the legal plan documents (Certificate of Coverage), the legal plan documents will govern.

Please note: Long Term Disability (“LTD”) and Short Term Disability (“STD”) coverages are provided under a group insurance policy issued to your employer by MetLife. This LTD and STD coverage terminates when your employment ceases, when you cease to be an eligible employee, when your LTD and STD contributions cease (if applicable), or upon termination of the group contract by your employer. Like most group disability insurance policies, MetLife policies contain certain exclusions, exceptions, waiting periods, reductions, limitations and terms for keeping them in force. Ask your MetLife group representative for complete costs and details.

LIMITATIONS & EXCLUSIONS (continued)

ADF# DI1283.16

Frequently Asked Questions

Accidents and illness can happen to anyone, and it can impact your ability to earn money.

Q. Why is having short-term disability insurance so important?

A. Having short-term disability protection may help you cover your essential living expenses and help safeguard your savings, since it may help replace a portion of your income during the initial weeks of a disability.

Q. What are the essential living expenses that I should be most concerned about?

A. Consider any expenses you may incur in the running of your household, including car payments, mortgage payments, groceries, childcare, tuition and more, that would still need to be covered in the event of a disability.

Q. How do disability payments work?

A. Depending upon the amount of coverage you choose, payments will be made directly to you — not your employer, hospital, doctor or insurance company.

Q. How much does short-term disability insurance cost?

A. Disability Insurance is more cost-effective than you may think. For example, an employee may get a

$1,000 monthly benefit for an initial premium of about $4.10 a month.2

Rates for your plan(s) can be found on www.metlife.com/stateoftn.

Q. Do I have to use all of my accrued leave (sick, annual and compensatory time) before my disability payments begin?

A. Yes, this is a requirement of the plan.

It is a cost-effective way to help protect your income when you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Just over 1 in 4 of today’s 20-year-olds will likely become disabled before reaching age 67.1 That’s why financial experts recommend short-term disability insurance as part of a sound financial plan.

What is short-term disability insurance?

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Coverage that may help protect your income when you are unable to work.

Help protect your income and lifestyle with short-term disability insurance.

http://www.metlife.com/stateoftn

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Have other questions?

Please visit www.metlife.com/stateoftn or call the State of

Tennessee dedicated customer service line:

1-855-700-8001

Live support

7 a.m. – 10 p.m. CST, Monday – Friday

Q. How do I pay for my short-term disability insurance?

A. Premiums will be conveniently paid through payroll deduction, so you don’t have to worry about writing a check or missing a payment.

Q. What happens when I want to file a claim?

A. MetLife offers various ways to submit your claim based on your plan, including online, mail and phone options. Plus, you can track the status of your claim online or on the MetLife US App. Search

“MetLife” on iTunes® App Store or

Google Play to download the app.

Q. What if I choose not to have short-term disability insurance?

A. Enrolling in a plan is not mandatory, but it is a good idea and a cost-effective way to help protect your income. Without short-term disability, you may need to use your savings or tap into other assets to cover your essential living expenses while you are recovering from an accident or illness.

Q. When can I enroll?

A. It is best to enroll during your initial new hire enrollment period when medical exams and health questions will not be required. You may also apply for enrollment during the annual enrollment period by submitting a statement of health for review by MetLife for insurability.

The sooner you enroll, the sooner you will enjoy the added financial protection that disability coverage provides.

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1. Social Security Administration, https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10029.pdf. April 2021.

2. Actual rates will vary based on the amount of coverage, maximum benefit period, waiting period and carrier issuing the coverage. Initial rates may increase.

3. LIMRA, U.S. Workplace Disability Insurance Sales and In Force Survey, Year-End, Second Quarter 2020.

Like most group life insurance policies, MetLife insurance policies have certain exceptions, exclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits and terms for keeping them in force.

Contact your agency benefits coordinator for details.

Coverage that may help protect your income when you are unable to work due to illness or injury.

Special Considerations: If you work in a state with…