What do I do when I can’t get my insurance company to respond at all?
Now is the time to start sending in complaints to defend your claim. If you have an ERISA claim, contact your regional office of the EBSA (Agency of the US Department of Labor). If you have an IDI claim notify your state Department of Insurance and ask for a Conduct Market Examination of the Company. You can also file an internal complaint, but don’t expect much. For most companies, the same person you’re complaining about will be the person who answers the complaint. To be sure, I wouldn’t just sit back and allow the insurance company to do their thing. Fight back with multiple complaints.
I can’t keep up with the number of requests from my insurer for information. I’m sick and I just don’t have the stamina to meet its demands.
Then say that in writing and put it in the record. In fact, with what is going on today, it’s a good idea to send everything for inclusion into your file, including information from the Internet that pertains to your claim and disability. Have your doctor document on forms, and patient notes that frequent inquiries from your insurance company are worsening your condition. Your treating physicians can document that it is a medical restriction for you to ask your insurers to stop sending frequent requests for information. GET IT IN THE FILE. DOCUMENT.
This is just a reminder since I’ve been receiving calls from claimants and insureds who are recently denied asking for help. If you wait until your claim is denied I CAN’T HELP YOU. And, attorneys are sitting on the sidelines ready to take a fair percentage of your benefit. I have always said that the best appeal is “no appeal at all.” The goal of a Consultant is to assist you with keeping your benefits, not dealing with the aftermath of a claim denial.
I realize that people today don’t always have the funds to retain Consultants and try to manage their own claims. I hear from very few insureds who are successful with that. For every 1 insured who tells me they won an appeal, there are perhaps 20 others who didn’t make it. Just please be aware that “knowledgeable prevention” can help to keep benefits. There are a few people who have contacted me a bit too late as well.There is a great deal to be said for proactive management to resolve issues before insurers have time to deny. My contact information is the same, Tel: 207-793-4593 and Email: DCS@metrocast.net. If you have been already denied I am unable to assist you. If you’d like help managing your claim, please give me a call.