Employer Based Long Term Disability Insurance Coverage

Most people who take out long-term disability insurance coverage through their employers do so because they want to make sure that they have sufficient income to take care of themselves and their families in the event that they are not able to work because an unexpected accident or an illness that is expected to last for a long time. This type of insurance will usually pay 60 percent of the total amount of your earnings.

Facts about Employer Based Long Term Disability Insurance Coverage

When you have employer based long-term disability insurance coverage:

• You generally will pay only a part of your premium cost by having the amount taken out of your paycheck each time you are paid.
• Your employer is responsible for paying the rest of the premium costs.
• In some jobs, your employer may pay the entire amount of the premium for your policy.
• All such plans are strictly governed by the Federal Employee Retirement and Income Security Act, also known as ERISA
• A person covered under this type of policy usually has limited rights when it comes to appealing a claim.

What Is Considered a Long-Term Disability?

A person need not be totally disabled in order to make use of LTD insurance, and the medical condition that is the cause of the claim need not be work related. Back injuries, chronic pain, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and bone and joint injuries all are thought of as types of long-term disabilities. These and other conditions must be disabling enough to keep you from working at certain aspects of your job. A medical doctor must deem you unable to perform your job duties. In theory, this is all that is needed for a claim to be paid. Unfortunately, disability insurance providers make a habit of challenging the medical findings in order to keep from having to pay the claim.

Let an Attorney Help You

Having your employer based long- term disability insurance claim denied can be devastating to both you and your loved ones. If you have been denied, or are considering filing a claim on your employer based long-term disability policy, please know that you do have legal rights and options. You need an attorney who is experienced in disability insurance law and ERISA, and who can help you to receive your rightful coverage.