MO State Benefits That Can Help

Facing a serious illness — whether it’s your own diagnosis or that of a spouse or child — can strain your health, time, finances, and emotional resources. Fortunately, Missouri State University offers a coordinated suite of benefits designed to help you focus on what matters most: healing and caregiving. From income protection and job-protected leave to cash benefits, pre-tax savings, and emotional support. In addition, the Samaritan Fund may offer critical financial relief when medical expenses become overwhelming. Understanding how these programs align can make a difficult season more manageable.

💪 Income Protection for employees

Short-Term Disability (STD) & Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Short-Term Disability is available to eligible employees only. The STD plan pays a benefit even if you are using sick or vacation leave and is designed to provide income protection during a medically necessary absence. It can also bridge the approximate six-month gap before Long-Term Disability coverage begins, ensuring continuity of income during extended recovery.

Long-Term Disability provides continued income protection for qualifying long-term conditions once the elimination period is met.

Critical Illness Insurance

This supplemental insurance isn’t income replacement, but it can provide a lump-sum cash benefit if you or a covered dependent receive a qualifying diagnosis — such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, major organ transplant, or similar conditions. You get the cash directly, which you can use however you need — for medical bills, transportation costs, or household expenses.

Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Hospital days can bring unexpected out-of-pocket costs. This coverage pays cash daily — directly to you — for qualified inpatient hospital stays, helping offset copays and deductibles.

Together, these income-related insurances can keep you financially steadier during periods of high medical need.

🛡️ Job Protection & Continued Health Coverage

Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)

Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, MSU provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave if you have a serious health condition or need to care for a dependent with one. During this leave, your health insurance benefits continue, and your job (or equivalent) is protected when you return.

FMLA can be taken in one block or intermittently when medically necessary. It’s often used alongside accrued paid leave or short-term disability to preserve income while keeping your employment secure.

❤️ Additional Support: Samaritan Fund Program

In addition to these core benefits, MSU offers the Samaritan Fund Program, an optional initiative designed to provide financial relief for employees and their dependents facing severe medical conditions. It may help with out-of-pocket medical costs.

This can be especially valuable when expenses exceed insurance plan limits or when you’re dealing with long-term care costs.

• Learn more: Watch the introductory video and explore the full program details on the Samaritan Fund Program website
• See if you qualify with no obligation.
• For more information or to apply, call or visit:
  • 866-764-9290
  • service@samaritanfundprogram.com

🧠 Emotional, Practical & Family Support

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Dealing with a serious health condition doesn’t just affect your body — it affects your mental health and family life. MSU’s EAP offers free, confidential counseling and referrals for you and your household members. Support includes stress and anxiety counseling, assistance with caregiving arrangements, legal or financial help, and more.

The EAP can be a powerful resource early in your journey — helping you cope, plan, and connect with additional community supports.

How These Benefits Work Together

Here’s a high-level example of how these resources can align:

1. Medical Diagnosis: You or a dependent receive a serious diagnosis.
2. Income Support: File for Short-Term Disability to replace income while recovering.
3. Cash Benefit: Submit a claim under Critical Illness or Hospital Insurance for direct cash if applicable.
4. Leave Coordination: Request FMLA to ensure job protection and continued health plan coverage.
5. Emotional Assistance: Access EAP services for counseling and family support.
6. Financial Relief: If costs exceed expectations, see if the Samaritan Fund Program can help bridge gaps.

Facing a serious health challenge is stressful — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Understanding and coordinating these Mo State benefits can provide financial stability, maintain your job protections, and support your emotional well-being.

If you want help mapping your specific situation to these benefits, feel free to ask!

Follow the HR blog for news on benefits, HR updates, and professional development. For wellness-related news, visit the Wellness blog.