Why Would a Long-Term Disability Claim Be Denied?
by Joan Bradley
When any health or medical condition decreases your ability to perform tasks for your job, you can opt to use your employer's group long-term disability insurance. This is a customary benefit in many employee benefits packages. However, some long-term disability insurance carriers are becoming stricter and getting coverage for your needs may be more difficult.
If your claim is denied, you can be left in a dire financial situation. The following are some reasons why you may receive a denial for your claim and what you can do about it:
1. You Did Not Document Your Claim Correctly
One of the most important parts of a long-term disability claim is proper documentation. The insurance carrier must know that you have a legitimate need for the claim to approve it. You must provide a copy of your medical records and any other pertinent information the carrier requests. If you do not do this, your claim can be denied.
2. You Made Errors in Your Documentation
If you submit your documentation, your claim can still be denied if there are errors or other issues within your records. Your medical information must provide an accurate reflection of your condition, and the physician's records should support your claim for long-term disability. Unfortunately, medical professionals can make mistakes or erroneously leave out important information in your records that is necessary for approval. You should be sure to read over your medical records prior to their submission to ensure your condition is reflected correctly. If the information is not accurate, you need to have the records corrected right away.
3. You Missed a Deadline
Most long-term disability insurance carriers are governed by federal law. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act sets the rules on long-term disability insurance, including the deadlines for submissions. If you miss a deadline, the insurance company will quickly deny a claim, even it is valid.
4. Your Condition Is Not Covered
When you apply for long-term disability coverage, be sure that your condition is covered by your employer's insurance carrier. Some medical conditions may require further testing or additional diagnoses to determine the actual medical condition for which you will receive coverage. If your diagnosis has symptoms that correlate to a condition that is not covered by your employer's insurance carrier, your claim could be denied.
If your long-term disability claim is denied by your employer's insurance carrier, you need to seek legal help right away. While some issues can be easily cleared up, others may require you to make a legal claim if the insurer continues to fight you on your claim. Start the process today by contacting services such as Iler and Iler.
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About Me
You walk into your favorite grocery store and right away, you slip and fall only to sprain your ankle. You can't perform your job because it requires standing on your feet all day, which means that you can't make any money to support your family while your ankle heals. There was no warning that the floors were wet after being cleaned in the store – so what do you do? It's probably a good idea to think about filing a personal injury lawsuit. Of course, anyone with experience with a personal injury case will tell you just how important it is to work with an attorney throughout the process. I'd like to share insight I've learned through three personal injury cases that I myself have had to go through in the past. I think the information on this website can help people like you, who need some personal injury guidance.