Late Checks
It’s that time of year again when insurance companies begin to act irrationally evidenced by error after error after error. Insureds, exclusively from Unum, are already starting to report that their benefit checks are late.
Traditionally, Unum has always had a problem getting checks out over the holidays, mostly because their claims specialists take PTO time and “forget” to manually approve all benefits that should have been released during their absence. In addition, Unum’s Communication Center can also go numb and not release checks companywide.
If your check is late at anytime during the upcoming holidays, it’s recommended that you call Unum, (the only time I think this is a good idea), and ask, “When can I expect to receive my check?” In nearly all cases, late checks over the holidays are nothing more than “mistakes” rather than any attempt to deny claims.
If checks are lost, Unum usually waits at least 10 days to see if checks arrive.Of course that means claimants are put in a position of not having money over the holdiays. I also recommend that some planning for this possibility might be a good idea.
End of Year Profitability
Just a reminder that we are now in 4th Qtr. profitability reporting for 2021. Most insurance companies will begin their internal processes of identifying vulnerable claims for targeted denial by December 31,2021. This means that insurers will be requesting many more IMEs, field interviews, medical patient notes requests, and, of course, surveillance.
Lack of Communication and Customer Service
Insureds and claimants looking for written verifications and responses may be waiting for a long time. Disability insurers are in an administrative chaotic state right now and whether or not you receive a written response to something depends on the free time of claims handlers. Most are not faithful with responses to verify receipt of information you’ve sent in. You may get it, you may not. Sending multiple letters and emails asking for verifications is somewhat silly. Also, if you’ve tried getting in touch with claims handlers lately you may find that Customer Service is kin to raising the dead. Insurers just aren’t interested in providing “exceeds Customer Service”, although most Customer Service reps I’ve spoken to lately have been very polite and helpful.
Warning: Don’t Settle for Attorneys Who Know Less Than You Do.
Lately, I’ve been getting calls from insureds who hired “do nothing” attorneys and are very discouraged with their claims management. Readers who have been following me for a long time know that I am often not kind to attorneys, particularly those who take ERISA cases and haven’t a clue what to do with them. In fact, I’ve heard so much “out of whack” attorney advice that it’s surprising some of the attorneys haven’t been brought to the Bar. In any event, if you’ve decided to retain an attorney, please make sure he/she is experienced and has a proven success with disability claims. Personal injury law is entirely different from private disability.
