On Feb. 20, Pitt sent announcements to the people enrolled through the University in Unum Group Long Term Care policies that the company has stopped accepting new customers and that, as of March 1, Pitt will no longer facilitate payroll deductions for this plan.
The company said it was ending its partnership with Pitt for this coverage because of market shifts and evolving customer needs. It is no longer underwriting any new policies for this type of coverage.
A Pitt spokesperson said 190 people, which includes employees and spouses, are currently enrolled in the program and there has only been one new enrollment in the past two years.
“While long-term care insurance is changing with the industry, we are working with our partner vendors to provide some form of (long-term care coverage as a voluntary benefit,” the spokesperson said. “We anticipate rolling something out in the early part of FY27.”
To maintain coverage, those currently enrolled with Unum must transition to direct billing with the company. If no action is taken, the policy will lapse and be canceled.
Human Resources noted that if coverage lapses and employees wish to obtain long-term care insurance in the future, they may be subject to medical underwriting and could be declined if their health has changed. Additionally, premiums for a new policy would be based on their current age, which may result in significantly higher costs.
— Susan Jones
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