The Organization of Staff Analysts is pleased to offer a voluntary short term disability plan to active members through Winston Financial Services. Members have the opportunity to enroll at their own cost in a disability income plan that supplements the existing group disability coverage provided by the OSA Welfare Fund. The plan provides additional income protection in the event of disability from sickness or accident.

The plan features guaranteed acceptance for new OSA members for up to $2,000 a month in benefits, regardless of your health condition, as long you enroll within 6 months of receiving your OSA new membership kit. For existing active members, there are no physical exams or medical tests. Qualify by simply answering a few medical questions. The plan is underwritten and backed by Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company, a company that carries an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, the leading independent source for reporting on the financial strength and operating performance of the nation's insurance carriers. More than 30,000 other New York City union workers are covered under the plan.

You must be actively at work to enroll (retirees are not eligible). You can download a brochure with details of the coverage by clicking here.

Special Open Enrollment Period

From August 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012, all OSA memers, not just new members, can take advantage of a special open enrollment period for the Short Term Disability Plan. During this period, all OSA members are eligible for up to $2,000 a month in benefits without medical questions or tests or $3,000 a month in coverage with answers to a few medical questions. A flyer that announces the open enrollment period can be downloaded by clicking this link.

Plan Highlights

• Guaranteed Acceptance. New OSA members are guaranteed acceptance for up to $2,000 a month in benefits regardless of their state of health or past health problems, as long as they enroll within 6 months of receiving their new member kit from OSA.

• Monthly Benefits.You may select a benefit level ranging from $400 to $3,000/month, but benefit levels over $2,000/month will require medical review. The benefit cannot exceed 50% of your salary.

• 24 Hour Coverage. The policy covers you on or off the job.

• Multiple "Waiting Period" Options. You can select immediate coverage or waiting periods of 7, 14, 30, 90 or 180 days

• Benefit Duration. You can select options of 3, 6,12 or 24 months of coverage.

• Pre-Existing Conditions. Covered after the first 12 months.

• Tax-Free. Benefit payments are received tax-free.

• Payroll Deduction. Premiums are paid through the convenience of payroll deductions.

• Portability. You can take your plan with you if you leave your job.

To learn more about your options, call Winston's Customer Service Center at 1-800-347-6071. A representative can answer your questions and will help you schedule an appointment with an enrollment counselor. Educational meetings and enrollment sessions can be held at work locations and you can request a site visit when speaking with the call center representative.