ERISA
What is the Difference Between “Own Occupation” and “Any Occupation” Coverage?
When you apply for long-term disability (LTD) benefits through your ERISA-governed LTD insurance plan, you normally must prove that your medical conditions make you unable...
Why Is It So Important to Know if My LTD Policy is an Individual or Group Policy?
Some people have access to long-term disability (LTD) insurance policies through their employers. Other people, who are perhaps self-employed or whose employers who do not...
What is the Difference Between Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits?
Many employers offer short-term disability benefits, long-term disability benefits, or both to their employers. This coverage is designed to replace wages in part if employees...
Immediate Steps to Take When You Are Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits
When disability insurance companies deny claims for long-term disability benefits, they typically send you a letter that outlines the rights that you have and the...
Should I Use the Insurance Company’s Appeal Form if I Want to Appeal a Denial of Long-Term Disability Benefits?
If your insurance company has denied your claim for long-term disability benefits, your first step to challenge that denial is to file an appeal with...
What is the Difference Between Group and Individual Long-Term Disability Policies?
Many individuals have access to long-term disability benefits through a plan offered by their employer. These are group plans, since they cover all employees of...
What Does ERISA Have to Do With My Long-Term Disability Claim?
ERISA, or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, is a federal law that governs most employee-sponsored long-term disability benefits policies and claims. There are a...
What is the Self-Reported Symptoms Limitation in ERISA-Governed LTD Claims?
Some long-term disability insurance policies contain provisions that limit coverage if the claimants do not meet certain criteria. One example of such a provision is...
What Are Preexisting Condition Exclusions in LTD Insurance Policies?
Most employer-sponsored group long-term disability policies will contain an exclusion for any preexisting medical conditions. This means that if employees become unable to work due...
What is a Vocational Assessment and How Does It Impact Long-Term Disability Benefits?
A vocational assessment consists of an evaluation of your education, background, and skills, the requirements and demands of your occupation and specific position, and the...
Are Forum Selection Clauses in ERISA Plan Documents Enforceable?
A forum selection clause is a provision in a contract or employee benefit plan that requires any litigation about the terms of the contract or...
How Using Social Media Could Undermine Your LTD Claim
To deny long-term disability insurance claims, insurance companies need evidence to support their denials. One common source of this evidence comes from various surveillance activities...