Five Steps To Take If Your Long Term Disability Benefits Are Denied
Long term disability (LTD) insurance can help provide you with a steady source of income in the event a serious illness or chronic health condition prevents you from working. You may have this type of insurance available through a group policy provided by your employer. Unfortunately, despite earning these benefits through years of hard work, you could find yourself denied at the time you need them the most.
The good news is that you have the right to appeal a denied long term disability claim. The following are five steps to take immediately if you receive a denial notice.
- Review your policy documents.
If you did not already review policy documents prior to filing your claim, this should be your first step. Under The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), your employer is required to provide copies of all policy-related documents, free of charge and at your request. Carefully read through these documents, paying close attention to the summary of benefits and policy exclusions, to ensure you are indeed eligible and have the right to file a claim.
- Review your filed claim.
Once you have confirmed coverage and that you have a qualifying condition, carefully review the claim you filed with your insurance. In some cases, mistakes on your part may be behind the denial. Review the denial letter as well. The insurer may have made administrative errors or you may have to provide the proper documenting information. In either case, you have the right to appeal. Knowing the reasons why you were denied is key to overturning the insurers decision.
- Check your medical records.
Statements from your doctor and medical records documenting your condition play a vital role in obtaining long term disability benefits. Make sure the appropriate information was submitted and go over your doctor’s statement. If they refuse to certify that you are indeed disabled, seek a second opinion.
- Gather additional supporting documents.
Written statements from you as well as your family, friends, and employer help to support your claim and can go a long way towards getting your benefits approved. Have those closest to you detail the way your condition and the disabilities you suffer from impact your life. Keep a journal yourself, detailing all of your symptoms and how they affect you.
- Get legal help.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), they take in more than $1.25 trillion in net premiums each year. One of the ways they protect their profits is by denying claims and they have teams of attorneys defending their position. To protect yourself, get our Florida long term disability attorney on your side.
Contact Farrell Disability Law Today
Farrell Disability Law protects your rights when dealing with long term disability insurers. We provide the trusted legal guidance you need in filing a claim or in appeal denied benefits. Call or contact our Jacksonville long term disability attorney online and request a consultation in our office today.
Source:
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-industry-overview