When you’re hurt or you’re sick, you expect your long-term disability (LTD) policy to cover you. After all, your doctor has agreed that you’re not currently able to work, and that’s why you have the policy in the first place, right? A lot of people who file long-term...

How a ‘doctor shopping’ accusation can derail your LTD insurance claim
Not all doctors are created equal. Getting a diagnosis for a disabling condition could require you to visit more than one physician. Some conditions are rare and difficult to diagnose correctly. Other times, you might get examined by a doctor who lacks the experience,...
Can my disability insurance claim get denied for a pre-existing condition?
When you begin long-term disability coverage through your employer or a private policy, you might be perfectly healthy. But if you are like a lot of people, you begin coverage dealing with an injury, condition or illness that is arguably somewhat disabling, though you...
Denial of employer-provided long-term disability benefits
Employer-provided long-term disability benefits are insurance coverages employers may offer employees as part of their benefits package. Long-term disability benefits provide income replacement if an employee becomes disabled and cannot work for an extended period of...
Three things nurses need to know about long term disability claims
Nurses work stressful jobs that include the potential for contact with hazards. This combination can lead to injury or illness that may require a long-term disability claim. Those who are looking to make a long term disability claim should know the following. #1: Know...
Defining ‘disabled’ for a long term disability insurance provider
Whether you think of yourself as disabled due to an illness, injury or congenital condition depends on your personal outlook. But defining "disability" becomes important when it comes to making a claim for long term disability insurance benefits or appealing a denied...
How does ERISA protect people with long-term disabilities?
Private insurance companies administer most employer-provided long-term disability (LTD) plans. Insurers also meticulously review LTD claims because benefits are usually expensive. And, they routinely deny claims for many reasons, such as missed deadlines or paperwork...
Do long-term disability claims have to be work-related?
Many private employers offer long-term disability (LTD) benefits to their workers. Since LTD plans are often part of an overall benefits package, many employees aren’t sure what they entail and may not even look at them until they cannot work due to an illness or...
What are the steps for appealing a long-term disability claim denial?
Having a long-term injury or illness is devastating on many fronts. First, the physical impact may require lengthy and expensive medical treatment. Second is the financial toll it can take, especially if your condition keeps you from working. And third, the emotional...
Does ‘burnout’ qualify as a long-term disability?
The World Health Organization recognizes “burnout” as a legitimate medical condition. But it is not included on the list of covered conditions on most long-term disability (LTD) insurance plans employers offer. Still, the American Psychological Association says stress...