Group LTD: Executives get short end of stick

Most (83 percent) employers who offer group long-term disability (LTD) insurance to employees feel the amount of base coverage is adequate. However, gaps exist in coverage for executives. Even with this acknowledged exposure, only 15 percent of these companies plan to change their group LTD programs. 

That's according to a new report by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The "2013 Employer Perspectives on Disability Benefits" lists findings from surveys of more than 44,000 SHRM members regarding their company's long-term disability and executive benefits programs. The results show many executives underinsured. 

"Not only are many executives at risk, but so are their families," said Melissa Millan, senior vice president, worksite insurance, MassMutual. "We commissioned this study to help employee benefits executives and benefits managers benchmark their disability insurance plans more effectively, and help lead organizations to fully informed recommendations and decisions."