So, you or a loved one has suffered an injury or illness that has led to long-term disability. Now you’re simply trying to find the resources needed to further the inflicted individual’s recovery while retaining some semblance of financial stability. You’d hoped that long-term disability insurance coverage would provide the relief that you seek, but now your claim has been denied. What can you do about it?
Appealing a denied long-term disability insurance claim
Fortunately, a claim denial isn’t the end of the road. This is because you have the ability to appeal a claim denial. To increase your chances of successfully appealing your denial, you should take each of the following steps:
- Review your denial letter to determine specifically why your claim was denied and what your next steps are for appeal, which may occur internally with the insurance company
- Analyze your policy to see how the denial relies on the terms of the policy
- Gather all the evidence you can to demonstrate why the denial was improper
- Obtain follow up testing if it will support your claim, especially if the basis of the denial was a lack of objective medical evidence
- Identify and speak with experts who may be able to testify as to your disability, its extent, and your prognosis
- Request a letter from your doctor that speaks not only to your condition but also how it affects your ability to work
Be thorough and aggressive
We know that it can be a headache to deal with insurance companies, especially when you or a loved one is in the midst of recovery. But you don’t have to try to stumble through the frustrating claims process on your own without being knowledgeable about the process and the law. In fact, we recommend that you learn as much as you can about this area before proceeding with your appeal, as doing so will most likely increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.
