Most long-term disability (LTD) policies have an elimination period (EP) – typically three to six months from the start of your disability – where no benefits are paid. Once the elimination period passes, you can generally qualify for a period of short-term...
When you need to file a claim for ERISA disability benefits, a lot can rest on your doctor’s words – so having accurate, up-to-date medical records are important. Unfortunately, studies show that error rates in medical records are very high. One study indicated that...
Long-term disability claims are a critical safety net for individuals facing medical conditions that hinder their ability to work and lead a normal life. However, a recent court ruling, Murch v. Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada, sheds light on the importance of fair...
Being disabled and wrongfully denied benefits is a hard pill for many to swallow. Various reasons exist for being turned down, particularly concerning insurance claims related to ERISA. While discouraging, applicants should know that the initial ruling is not the...
Mental health advocates decry a decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals impacting how insurers can process behavioral health claims. The latest decision in Wit v. United Behavioral Health involves mental health claims, but many fear the implications could also...
Regardless of your age, you’ve probably heard the phrase “suck it up” many times after suffering an injury -- unless it is obviously severe. That mindset is firmly ingrained in many of our brains. A strong work ethic will likely remain after suffering a disabling...
After enduring years of brutal contact during their NFL careers, 10 former players are suing the league over its disability plan, saying the system keeps them from getting adequate medical treatment. They filed the lawsuit three days before this year’s Super Bowl. The...
Insurance companies are widely known for taking their sweet time about paying benefits for any reason. How badly you and your family need those benefits isn’t their concern, and they’ll typically do whatever they can to deny or delay payments. But if your long-term...
Employers sometimes offer long-term disability insurance as part of a group benefits plan, which provides financial help if you suffer an injury or develop a disabling medical condition that prevents you from working. Suppose your employer offers a long-term...
The Employment Retirement Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) was originally introduced to protect employee pensions. But Congress later amended the law to include all worker benefits, including long-term disability plans provided by private employers. If you suffer a...