WELLESLEY, Mass., Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Life U.S. is expanding its Healthcare Professional long-term disability (LTD) coverage, which is designed to address the unique needs of healthcare providers if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The expansion of the coverage provides more income protection for non-physician providers (also known as physician extenders) who offer a medical specialty, such as physician assistants (PAs), registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners (NPs) or clinical social workers. Competitive benefits that provide a better experience and improved health outcomes have become a powerful tool for healthcare organizations to recruit and retain talent.

"Nurses, PAs, and other providers that extend beyond physicians are essential resources in providing care, and it is important that their employers are able to offer them excellent benefits," said Joi Tillman, president, Group Benefits Sun Life U.S. "LTD also helps those on disability return to their roles in clinics and hospitals. The expansion of our Healthcare Professional LTD coverage gives organizations a strong tool to attract and retain more talent, helping to mitigate the provider shortages across the U.S. healthcare system."

Employment of nurses and PAs is expected to increase rapidly over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment of PAs is expected to grow 28%, while employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and NPs is expected to increase by 40%. Research in Nurse Journal shows that nurse practitioner is the fastest growing occupation in the U.S.

"When healthcare professionals are on disability leave, it affects not just the individual and their family, but patients and colleagues as well," said Rachael Kolodica, director, Healthcare Professional Market Development, Sun Life U.S. "It is crucial to our healthcare economy that these providers, especially those with a medical specialty, have the coverage they need to feel secure in their careers, and continue delivering care."

Healthcare Professional LTD protects the unique skillsets of non-physician providers with medical specialties, such as surgery or oncology. LTD coverage not only provides income replacement but can also help medical professionals return to work. When a member's ability to perform their job changes due to their illness or injury, Sun Life vocational specialists can help them obtain education or training in another role or field.

The expansion of Healthcare Professional LTD coverage builds on Sun Life's other coverage solutions that meet the changing needs of today's workforce. Sun Life offers health-connected services to help improve the health outcomes of members, including care navigation, mental health, musculoskeletal condition support, clinical oversight and intervention, and family planning benefits.