Hospital Indemnity Insurance | The Hartford

Hospital Indemnity Insurance | The Hartford
X
X

Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Helps you pay for out-of-pocket expenses that result from a covered hospital stay.
Enroll

Here's what you need to know

Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance provides you with a cash benefit you can use to help pay expenses when you have a covered hospital stay.

 

If you’ve ever been hospitalized, then you already know that your major medical insurance may not pay all of your medical expenses. Whatever remains is what you’ll be expected to pay on your own. Deductibles, copays, out-of-network charges, and other uncovered expenses can add up to big bills, even for a short hospital stay.

 

That’s where Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance comes in handy. You can use the cash benefit you receive from this policy to help you cover not just bills related to your medical care, but any other expenses as well.

 

  • Pays a benefit for you to use however you want
  • The payment is made directly to you
  • It can help pay out-of-pocket expenses related to medical care associated with covered accidents
  • In addition to medical care, you may use it to pay for things like childcare, lodging, or over-the-counter medication

 

You can collect this benefit in addition to other coverage you have, including your employer’s major medical plan, any other type of medical coverage, disability insurance, or other benefits you may be eligible to collect. However, it is NOT health insurance and does not satisfy the requirement of minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

A hospital stay can be costly to your finances in two ways:

 

  • Medical bills. After being admitted, you have expenses for each day you’re in the hospital – and even a short stay can end up being costly. In addition to the stay itself, treatments, tests, and surgery can add to the cost.
  • Lost wages. Each day in the hospital could mean taking time out of work, or a family member may take time away from their job to help support you. If this impacts the paycheck that your family relies on, you may need to dig into savings or even borrow money. Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps alleviate these worries. 

 

Since you have the freedom and flexibility to choose how you spend your benefit payment, you can use it to help pay for anything you want. Even use it to help pay regular living expenses such as grocery bills, mortgage payments, childcare, and transportation – all of which could become a concern if you lose income while you’re in the hospital.

 

Instead of turning to your savings or taking on credit card debt to pay those medical bills, you can use the cash you receive from this policy to help pay them. That means less time spent worrying about money and more time spent focused on getting well again.

These are the periods when you are eligible to enroll for Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance:

 

  1. Within your new hire enrollment period
  2. If you have a qualifying life event (you get married, have a baby, etc.)
  3. During open enrollment

 

Check with your human resources/benefits team for specifics about these timeframes.

 

Keep in mind: If you enroll during these timeframes, you have what is called "guaranteed issue," which means no medical questions or tests are required to enroll. Pre-existing condition limitations may apply.

These form(s) are in Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF) format and are available for downloading and printing.

 

Hospital Indemnity 2024 Plan Highlights

 

Hospital Indemnity Insurance Flyer

 

Premium Sheet

 

How to File a Claim

 

Portability Form

 

LifeLime Financial Wellness Blog

How It Works

Number one Enroll now icon

You enroll in Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Number two Hospital icon

After insurance is in effect, you have a hospital stay due to covered accident or sickness

Number three Giving money icon

Receive a payment

Number four moneybag icon

Use your money however you want

You’re admitted to a hospital for a covered accident or sickness.

View More
Close X

That’s when Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance comes in.

Because you have Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance, you get a cash payment you can use for any expenses you want – medical or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

    Handshake Icon

  • Who is the provider?
    The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity.
    • money icon

  • When is a benefit paid under the plan?
    Once your insurance is effective, you’ll receive benefits for a covered hospital stay. These benefits vary by state and may have other limitations and exclusions that may affect what’s payable. This plan provides protection for covered events experienced while off the job only. See your disclosure statement or outline of coverage/disclosure document for full details on your coverage.
    • people icon

  • Who in my family is eligible for this program?

    Members of your family who are considered eligible to enroll for insurance include:

    • You – if you are an active employee
    • Your legal spouse – under age 70
    • Your eligible dependent children

     

    You must be enrolled in coverage for members of your family to also enroll. 

  • How much does coverage cost?

    This is group insurance offered at group rates. Refer to the premium sheet for complete details. 
    medical-clipboard icon

  • Do I have to answer health questions or take a medical exam?

    No, you don’t. Your Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance is guaranteed issue, which means no medical questions or tests are required to enroll in this coverage. Pre-existing condition limitations may apply.
    • transition circle icon

  • What if my employment status changes?

    Good news! If you leave or retire from your current employer, you can continue your Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance without interruption (subject to applicable law and the policy’s terms and conditions). Although payroll deduction will no longer be available, you can opt for other payment methods such as direct bank account deduction, credit card billing or home billing. Higher rates may apply. 
    • calendar icon

  • When would my coverage start?

    Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month after coverage is approved.
    • wallet money icon

  • Am I really free to use the payment any way I choose?

    Yes, you are! There are no restrictions or requirements about how you can use your hospital cash benefit. You don’t even need to use it on expenses you incur while you’re IN the hospital – you can also use it for expenses after you’re discharged. You’re free to use this money on anything you choose, including out-of-pocket medical expenses and/or non-medical expenses such as regular monthly bills if you’re out of work. 

Are you ready To Enroll?

Act now to put Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance in place to help offset expenses that may not be covered by other insurance.

 

NOTE: When you sign up, you are enrolling for the full plan year and must remain in the plan until the next open enrollment period. You may only cancel your Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance during open enrollment or with a qualifying life event. To cancel, please call the employee service center at
1-800-609-8504.

Enroll Here

Do You Need Help?

Our team is ready

M-F 6a-3p PT

Phone Number: 1-800-609-8504

  • Legal Disclaimers

    Blue Shield of California is an independent member of the Blue Shield Association.

     

    Blue Shield and the Shield symbol are registered marks of the BlueCross BlueShield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans.

     

    Mercer makes no recommendation regarding your decision whether to purchase this insurance, and we are not acting as a fiduciary investment adviser to you. Mercer may provide information that is developed by Mercer, an insurance carrier or other party to educate you regarding the insurance. You should not construe Mercer’s sharing of this information as a recommendation by, or advice from, Mercer regarding your decision. You may wish to seek the advice of your own financial or investment adviser when deciding whether to purchase this insurance and with respect to any investment component in the insurance.

  • Mercer's Role & Compensation
    View details of Mercer's disclosure of compensation