MULTNOMAH BAR ASSOCIATION
DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS

You may be eligible for Individual, Non-cancelable1 and Guaranteed Renewable1 Disability Insurance on a Guarantee Issue basis.

The Multnomah Bar Association is facilitating a Disability Income Insurance Program for all Multnomah Bar Association members, meeting certain general requirements.

Who is Eligible

  • A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OF THE MULTNOMAH BAR ASSOCIATION
  • LISCENSED TO PRACTICE LAW FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS
  • WORKING AS AN ATTORNEY AT LEAST 30 HOURS A WEEK FOR THE PRIOR 6 MONTHS
  • MUST NOT HAVE BEEN DECLINED FOR DISABILITY INSURANCE IN PRIOR 12 MONTHS
  • BE A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES OR LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT
  • MUST NOT HAVE BEEN ON CLAIM FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR PRIOR 3 MONTHS.

What type of coverage does this program provide?

The Disability Income Insurance Program offers Individual, Guaranteed Renewable and Noncancelable policies from Standard Insurance Company. These policies can include the Own Occupation definition of disability up to age 67 and up to $4,000 per month of disability benefit. This is a top-drawer product with no take away's.

Is the coverage discounted?

Yes, your membership in the MBA affords you a 10% discount issued on a unisex basis.

How much coverage is available?

Up to $4,000 per month of DI coverage on guaranteed standard issue (GSI) basis for attorneys, which you must financial qualify for. GSI means you will be approved for coverage if you meet basic qualification requirements.

How does the underwriting work?

The GSI qualification requirements are: You must have been working continuously as an attorney on a full time basis and must have been continuously licensed to practice law for the prior 2 years, able to perform all the duties of your regular occupation without limitation due to sickness or injury for the prior six months. You must not have any licensing violations. You must not be currently collecting disability benefits from any source, and meet the income requirements (you can apply for less than the GSI maximum).

Who writes the business?

Northwest Employee Benefits, Inc. is the program administrator and will manage the enrollment process. Beginning January 4, 2010, MBA members will begin to be contacted by one of their Licensed Representatives and given an overview of the Disability Insurance Program. This program is completely voluntary.

How do I get started?

For more information on the program, please visit www.DI4Attorneys.com or call the DI4Attorneys enrollment team at (800) 544-1662 (8am – 5pm PST). Please identify yourself as a MULTNOMAH BAR ASSOCIATION Representative.

1. Noncancelable and Guaranteed Renewable coverage and
the Own Occupation definition of disability are available by
optional policy riders only. The addition of optional riders
may increase premiums.

WHY ATTORNEYS SHOULD BUY DISABILITY INSURANCE

According to the ABA’s GPSolo Magazine, “It is three to four times more likely that an attorney will become disabled than he or she will die” and “during the next ten years, the aging baby boomer workforce will spark a 37% increase in disability.” (1) The table below shows the average duration of a non-permanent disability by age group. Even just a temporary disability can have a severe impact on your lifestyle and financial well being. (2)
Age        Duration                Age         Duration
<40         5.1 yrs                    50-54     5.6 yrs
40-44     6.6 yrs                    55-59     3.8 yrs
45-49     6.6 yrs                    60-64     1.7 yrs
(1) Source: General Practice Solo & SFD Magazine, Volume 15, Number 3, July/Aug 1999
(2) Source: Individual Disability Experience Committee of the Society of Actuaries 2005