MetLife, a leading provider of employee benefits, today announced the
availability of grief counseling services on its basic group life
insurance programs. This offering gives employees access to licensed
professional counselors and related services. It will be available
January 1, 2014, subject to state availability, for new and existing
customers, at no additional cost to the employer or employee.
To help individuals with difficult emotional challenges, MetLife’s grief
counseling service, provided by Harris, Rothenberg International (HRI),
Inc., provides employees, their dependents and beneficiaries with
counseling to help them cope with grief following the death of a loved
one or a major life change such as divorce, loss of employment, or
financial hardship. Employees and their dependents may consult with a
highly-credentialed counselor up to five times per event. Personal
attention matters most at these times and visits can take place
face-to-face, or via phone, depending upon individual preference. The
counselors are available nationwide and are licensed professionals with
extensive experience working with people who have suffered a loss or a
major life change triggering feelings of grief. The counseling provided
is confidential and offered at no cost on MetLife’s basic term life
programs.
“Giving employees and their dependents access to these types of services
helps them get back to a productive life. Providing the resources,
comfort, and support to deal with a loss helps enhance the group life
benefits program for all stakeholders,” says Stephen L. Pontecorvo, vice
president, Group Life, MetLife. “This valuable service can ease employee
stress levels and increase their focus and peace of mind which can
result in greater productivity, offering employers added value.”
In addition to the counseling service, which is available 24/7,
employees have access to research specialists who can find services and
send referrals, at no cost, if further assistance is desired. These
services may include locating a funeral home; identifying a monument
vendor; locating back-up care for children or adults; finding specific
support groups; and more.
“Suffering a loss can affect individuals in different ways. This service
offer employees and their loved ones free access to the guidance they
need to cope effectively with difficult situations and help them get
back to a productive life at work and at home,” notes Pontecorvo.
For more information, please visit https://www.metlife.com/business/benefit-products/group-benefits/voluntary-life-insurance/additional-benefits.html
About MetLife
MetLife, Inc. is a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and
employee benefit programs, serving 90 million customers. Through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife holds leading market positions in
the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle
East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.
Copyright Business Wire 2013