Steps to Follow In The Death of a US West/Qwest Retiree

Always a good idea to do ahead of time and keep pertinent information in an important place.  Verify your beneficiaries for life insurance with Prudential Life Insurance Company.  The number is 1-800-778-3827.  Our Life Insurance benefit is $10,000. 

At the time of death you will need to notify the Qwest Service Center by calling 1-800-729-7526.  Select option 3 and then option 1.  This will forward your call to the proper representative.  You must be prepared to provide the needed information.   

You will need to ask the representative for the Survivor’s benefit, and let them know if you want to continue health insurance through Cobra.  The 6 months are called subsidize health care where the spouse does not pay for health care, if retired after 1990 they will pay the premium.  Then they are offered continued health care thru Cobra payments for the applicable rate for additional months.  After that time frame the surviving spouse will be given the opportunity to elect medical coverage for themselves through Cobra.  

If the retiree had concession service provided by Qwest a letter will be sent notifying the family that the employee discount will be cancelled 60 days from the date of death. 

You should plan to order several copies of the death certificate.  Every transaction your make will probably need a copy.  If there are still questions, call your CWA Retiree Chapter or email me we will be more than happy to help your through this ordeal.

 

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