All US disability insurers are now entrenched in their own disorganization and chaos. Although I’ve been writing about this for awhile, it seems as though few are really paying attention. Therefore, in order to further clarify for those managing their own claims, here are a few tips that will be helpful to you.
First, it’s important to understand that disability insurance companies always manage claims to their own self interest. Never ask a claims handler “what you should do”, or, “what a policy or Plan means”, or, “can you help me decide”, etc. The people involved here were hired specifically because “they won’t give away the farm”, and they will always answer in ways that benefit the insurance company. It is a risky wrong move on the insured’s part to ever ask a claims handler questions that 1) would result in continuation of benefits, or 2) affects your quality of life, or 3) has anything to do with the quality of your medical care.
Most of you know I never recommend speaking with any insurance rep on the phone. Insureds taking prescribed opiate, pain or depression medication should never speak with anyone on the phone More than that, insurance companies use management scribed templates of questions designed to entice you to share more information than you need to for a disability claim. And, there is no guarantee claims handlers document phone calls in an accurate and honest account. All insureds should ask for communications in writing particularly since it is more difficult to give you a hard time in writing.
Never assume any claims handler has your best interests at heart. If you ever wanted to know what claims handlers think of you, listen carefully. Years ago, one of my investigators read the FB pages of quite a few Unum claims reps. One FB page belonging to a manager said, “Insureds are like slinkys, they aren’t worth anything, but every now and then you like to watch one fall down the stairs.” I wouldn’t make the mistake of thinking any claims handler is on your side, or is sympathetic with you. You don’t make friends with these people.
Don’t allow your doctor to send solicited information to any insurance company unless you see it first. Most insureds trust their doctors. I get it. But, then again, some doctors communicate things about your medical condition to insurance companies they don’t tell you. Always ask your doctor to provide you with completed forms for review before they are sent to your insurance company.
I hope these few tips will help your claims experience. It is never a good idea to trust an insurance company that makes money by not paying claims.
