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- Healthcare workers and volunteers on the frontlines of COVID-19 are eligible for free life insurance through MassMutual.
- MassMutual's HealthBridge is offering up to $25,000 in life insurance for 3-year terms.
- HealthBridge is available for workers in seven states who are at risk for exposure to the coronavirus.
- The application is free, online, and doesn't require a medical exam.
- Policygenius can help you compare life insurance policies to find the right coverage for you, at the right price »
Not only are healthcare workers putting their own lives at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also those of their loved ones and family when they return home at the end of their shift.
In acknowledgment of that risk, MassMutual announced that it would give free term life insurance up to $25,000 to healthcare workers and volunteers via its HealthBridge program. The life insurance policies are for 3-year terms.
Term life insurance pays the same benefit amount if you die at any point during the term. Terms can be 5, 10, 20, or 30-years at a time. If you die during that period, your beneficiaries get your payout, known as the death benefit. For MassMutual's HealthBridge program, the term is 3 years. If a healthcare worker enrolled in the program were to die within the 3-year period, their beneficiary would receive the death benefit.
"There is no deadline to apply — as long as the pandemic (unfortunately) continues, we will keep the program available until we reach the $3 billion mark," Julie Staadecker, who is in media relations for MassMutual, told Business Insider.
HealthBridge is available to healthcare professionals, workers, and volunteers. "There are no restrictions for volunteers versus staff — both must be working at least 10 hours a week in facilities where there is a reasonable risk of exposure associated with their roles," Staadecker said. However, healthcare workers making over $250,000 a year are not eligible.
Who is considered an eligible healthcare worker?
HealthBridge defines eligible healthcare workers as "doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, lab technicians, custodial staff, maintenance crews, cafeteria workers, security personnel" working in seven states whose jobs "may involve occupational exposure to the virus." Those states are:
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- New York
- New Jersey
- California
- Arizona
- Illinois
Additionally, if you work at any of the following facilities and fit the criteria for an eligible worker, you are eligible to apply:
- licensed hospitals
- urgent care centers
- emergency medical service providers
- nursing homes
- assisted living or inpatient hospice and cancer facilities
- eligible Federally Qualified Health Centers
- temporary COVID treatment facilities
There is no physical exam or lab testing required. For healthcare workers age 18 to 50, the death benefit is $25,000. For healthcare workers age 51 to 60, the death benefit is $10,000.
The application process is completely online.
Some life insurance is better than none and any extra coverage you can get, especially in these times, offers more financial protection for you and your family. If you have family members or friends who work or volunteer in the healthcare industry, let them know they may be eligible for free life insurance.