What is the difference between Basic Life/Basic AD&D, Alternate Basic Life and Optional Life?
Basic Life/Basic AD&D is automatically provided to those who enroll in an A&M System health plan, and the employer contribution pays the premium. Those who do not take System health coverage and do not certify that they have other health coverage may buy Basic Life/Basic AD&D, but must pay for it themselves. Alternate Basic Life is available to employees and retirees who do not enroll in an A&M System health plan, but certify that they have other health coverage. Because they certify that they have other health coverage, they can use half of the employer contribution to buy other coverages, including Alternate Basic Life, which has a maximum coverage level of $50,000. Optional Life is available to all employees except those in Alternate Basic Life, but the employer contribution may not be used to pay the premiums. Those eligible for Alternate Basic Life may choose to buy either Optional Life or Alternate Basic Life, but not both.
