07/21/1994 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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League of Minnesota Cities December 16, 1991 To: City officials From: Peter Tritz 183 University Ave. East St. Paul, MN 55101-2526 (612) 227-5600 (FAX: 221-0986) ENROLLMENT WILL BE OPEN DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY FOR LMCIT'S ACCIDENT POLICY FOR MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCILS AND OTHER CITY BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS. This accident coverage is provided by CIGNA, and provides a lower-cost alternative to workers compensation coverage. By statute, elected officials and officers appointed for a fixed term of office are covered by workers compensation only if the city has passed an ordinance or resolution to that effect. The accident coverage applies while the individual is traveling to or from a committee meeting, or while conducting other official business on behalf of and at the request of the committee. The coverage provides a $100,000 accidental death benefit and a $400/week short-term benefit for total disability. While this accident policy was developed as a lower-cost alternative to providing workers compensation coverage, it is important to understand that the benefits are not equivalent to those of workers compensation. Some of the differences are that it does not include medical, rehabilitation, or retraining benefits; disability and death benefits are fixed, rather than being based on the individual's actual earnings; disability benefits are paid only for total disability, and for a maximum of 26 weeks; and the accident policy disability benefits may be taxable income to the individual. The city may provide coverage for any city boards, commissions, or committees it designates. However, all members of the respective board or commission must be covered; that is, the coverage cannot be offered on an individual choice basis. The cost of the accident coverage is $12.75 per person per year. (By comparison, LMCIT's current minimum rate for workers compensation coverage for council members is $122 per person per year.) The accident policy coverage year runs March 1 to February 28. Additional information and application forms are enclosed. For questions concerning the coverage or to put coverage into effect, contact Julie Seidlitz, The Brehm Group, 706 Second Avenue South, Suite 750, Minneapolis, MN 55402; (612) 339-7385.