August has been a terrible month for ERISA denials. And, I’ve been receiving calls from claimants again asking for appeal help. I feel badly that the appeal’s ship has already sailed.
The objective of any claims consultant is to assist insureds and claimants better their chances of having a problem-free paid claim. That doesn’t mean there is a guarantee that claims will be paid, but it does help insureds manage the overwhelming paperwork, and provide counsel and advice concerning ERISA Plans and contract policies. The better help you have with managing your claim, the more able YOU are to handle any issue and resolve claim problems.
Once a claim is denied, insureds and claimants are forced to enter the world of attorney- provided legal assistance, if you can convince an attorney to take your case in the first place. It will cost you anywhere from 30% of back benefits and up to 40% of future benefits to age 65. Nearly all attorneys I know have a “break” on benefits below certain levels and help you need, when you need it, may not be available to you.
I admit I don’t understand the rationale of “waiting” or “trying to figure things out”. When asked where insureds get their information from, they cite various Internet sources, or friends and family. Of course we all know, “If it’s on the Internet, it must be true”, don’t we? Rubbish.
I originally began “Inside UnumProvident” as a feature in Jim Mooney’s newsletter for the purpose of correcting inaccurate information on the Internet. I’m still doing that. There is more inaccurate information on the Net today than ever before, and yet people believe it as if it were gospel. And, family friends seem to have 10 opinions for every 5 people you ask.
I don’t get it because while no one should want to have a claim on appeal, I continue to receive calls from those with denied claims who are wondering, “What do I do now?” One of those callers described a situation where she just got awarded SSDI and owes an overpayment. Attorneys won’t take her case. Of course not. There’s no money in it for them.
I have always said that the best resolution to an appeal if to keep the claim from being denied in the first place. I’m not trying to sell you, but I am telling you something you should know. If you need help with your claim “sooner is better than later.”
