Although many people don’t know there is such a thing, May is disability insurance awareness month. It is celebrated nationally as a way to call attention to the need people have to receive benefits should they become disabled and unable to work. This can only be done if the disabled person has filed a disability insurance policy through his or her work or as an individual.
Companies like Unum and Cigna are just two disability insurance companies which provide disability insurance benefits for its policyholders. While it is common for the workplace to offer its employees the option of paying into these policies, not all companies offer it. Disability insurance benefits can be granted to policyholders who file a disability insurance claim if they become injured or sick and can’t work or earn money. The benefits are meant to help cover bills and other living expenses for as long as the policyholder is disabled.
However, not all benefits claims are approved.
Companies like Cigna and Unum have been sued because of a refusal to pay benefits for certain disabilities including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and various mental disorders. These conditions can be debilitating; however, despite the fact that they are considered legitimate disabilities, some insurance companies still refuse to pay out. Unum and Cigna also have been accused of practicing in bad faith. The companies have been accused of abruptly terminating benefits without warning, denying legitimate cases even with medical proof, hiring in-house medical examiners to dispute legitimate claims, changing policies and bullying policyholders into dropping long-term disability benefits claims.
Regardless of some of the “bad faith” practices by some insurance companies, it is still a good idea to buy into a policy to protect yourself financially should you become unable to work due to illness or injury. Should you ever feel as if your disability insurance claim has been denied or terminated unjustly, contact attorney Greg Jones for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting disability insurance claims and can help you get the money that you deserve for your medical expenses and household bills.