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December 2017  Volume 15, Number 12        
 

Getting the Most Out of Disability Benefits

You spend valuable time and money to offering benefits to your employees. So imagine how frustrating it would be for you and your employees if they were unable to enjoy the benefits they deserve.

This is where employee education pays off — especially when the subject is disability benefits. It’s easy to make a mistake in the claim process.

To ensure a carrier will pay the claims of employees who are too injured to work, here’s what you and your employees need to do.

Read your Contract

Check to see if your condition qualifies for disability coverage. If it does, find out if you’ll get benefits only for your regular job. You may not get benefits if you are able to do another, different job, even with your injury. Or you might be paid benefits only for a specific time if you’re able to do another job.

Make sure you understand all of the questions on the claims form and answer them correctly. Mistakes can cost you coverage.

Be Prompt

It’s important to fill out claim paperwork immediately — even if benefits don’t start right away. A late submission could be grounds for the insurance company to deny your benefits. Send your claim by registered mail and request a return receipt. This will ensure that you have proof the insurance company received your claim.

Be Patient

Every disability policy has an elimination period. This is the time an employee must wait until the disability benefits kick in. Generally, the more expensive the policy, the shorter the elimination period.

Keep All Documentation

Ask your doctor to explain your disability in writing to the insurance company.

When you talk to the claims adjuster on the phone, follow up with a letter documenting who you spoke with, what they said, and the date and time of the call or meeting. It’s easy to forget what was said if you’re stressed or not feeling well. If you doubt your note-taking abilities, you can record meetings and phone calls, but you have to alert the people you’re recording at the beginning of the conversation.

Please contact us if you have questions about disability insurance.

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In this issue:

This Just In...

Changes to 401(k) Plans Under Consideration

Vision Insurance Trends to Incorporate in Your Benefit Plans

Proposed Changes to Group Health Insurance for Small Employers

Getting the Most Out of Disability Benefits

 

 


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