Insurance Musical Chairs
Disability insurance companies aren’t very good at retaining employees for very long. I’ve found that once most individuals find out that the job of a claims handler is not “quality claims management” but denying claims, they leave in droves....
Are “90 Codes” A Unum Issue Again?
In speaking with several of the attorneys I still have professional relationships with, it may be possible that Unum is using a tactic it used in the past to deny claims in one period by deleting them from the system, but not having sufficient proof until later...
To A Dear Former Client
Yesterday, I received a call from a former 2005 client thanking me for assisting her with a MetLife claim that is now nearing the maximum duration of claim because she is turning age 65. The recollections of this dear woman and what transpired in her life over the...
The Hungry Vulture Is Coming For Your Claim
Well, it’s that time again and the “Hungry Vulture” is alive and well at Unum Group. Most of you probably aren’t aware that the “Hungry Vulture” logo was given by claims handlers from the old Paul Revere and Provident companies...
Making Healthier Choices From Research
In recent years, one of the good things COVID probably brought to everyone’s attention is the importance of good health with a viable immune system achieved by consuming “clean food”. Although the American system of labeling contents of our food...
Living With A Disability Claim – Why Won’t People Believe Me?
You stand in front of your mirror and carefully examine every part of your body. You appear normal, you do normal things, you can even continue most of your activities of daily living. And, you think to yourself, so that’s why my family and friends don’t...
Unum – What The Heck?
Unum has been chasing SSDI award information for many years, and by as many different ways and means of dishonesty or misinformation. Many third-party “paper chasers” have been employed to assist the company in obtaining usable information from SSDI files....
When Does An Insurer Cross The Line?
All disability insurance companies have the right to fully, and fairly investigate the facts of claims submitted to them for payment for the policies sold. The insurer also has the right to conduct surveillance and to make sufficient inquiries in order to determine...
Bye, Bye Newsletter
Recently, I sent word out to my clients that I would be discontinuing the DCS Newsletter emailed to them every month. In recent years The Newsletter seemed to be getting very little readership. Further, some clients reported to me that they felt the information was...
Major Hurdles To Managing Claims
Given all of the disorganization of disability insurers due to COVID, lack of communication and any semblance of Customer Service is by far the major hurdle to successfully managing disability claims. Despite the fact that in the past all insurers prided themselves...
Donations – Knowledge Is Power And Makes A Difference
Disability Claims Solutions, Inc. has been in business for over twenty years. I am a fee-based Consultant providing services to clients who need assistance in managing disability claims. In addition, I have always thought it necessary to provide non-clients with...
Treating Physicians Should Charge For Their Time
It is a common practice for insurance companies to contact treating physicians with multiple requests for patient notes, forms, and questionnaires. It can become quite harassing to a busy physician and it makes sense the docs get tired and frustrated with sending...
Unum Scares The Hell Out Of People
I think you would be surprised to hear how many times I receive phone calls from Unum insureds who are so scared they believe Unum will “do something to them”, or “harass them”, even when there is no more claim, Plan or policy. Just yesterday I...
Thrown Under The Preverbal Bus
Although I’ve written many articles over the years about doc-to-doc calls, one thing remains crystal clear today. Namely, that insureds and claimants are permitting their treating physicians to discuss R&Ls and other health concerns with insurance physicians...
Disability Companies DO NOT Work In Your Best Interests
It’s really hard NOT to trust your disability insurer when you are unknowledgeable of the product and process. Human nature, basically willing to trust, particularly with business-type transactions often relies on asking questions from a source more concerned...
UNUM -Self-Defeating ERISA Appeals
Over the last several months it’s come to my attention that claimants are representing themselves with ERISA Appeals and are doing themselves a grave disservice. Approximately only 1% or less of individuals who file their own appeals are successful. I’m...
Living With A Disability Claim – Knowing The Process With A Plan B
Every one reacts differently to having a disability claim, and having to depend on insurers for income. Some learn to live in a high state of anxiety, some are tearful most of the time, others can’t sleep, and still others react arrogantly as if nothing is ever...
Are People Not Getting It Or What?
I don’t want to even think about the number of articles I’ve written about surveillance. Although I feel like a broken record on the subject, I’m also hearing from clients and other insureds that basically my tips on surveillance are ignored. By...
Regular Care – Be Really Careful
All disability insurers require those who file claims to remain in “regular” care. The word “regular” means, (and this is my definition), “the frequency of medical consultation with a physician who has credentials to treat the...
Tread Carefully With Unum Settlements
We are now within weeks before the end of the 3rd Qtr. profitability close and Unum is reaching out to insureds offering lump sum settlements sometimes with 6 figures if the benefit is high enough. Apparently, Unum is testing the waters to rid their financial reserves...
