At Disability Insurance Law Group, our nationwide claims attorneys have 50 combined years of experience helping our clients understand their insurance policies and the definitions that dictate how their coverages work, which is critical to obtaining and maintaining disability benefits — including those underwritten by Companion Life Insurance Company.
Companion Life Insurance Company, which started in July 1971 in Columbia, South Carolina, offers short-term disability, voluntary long-term disability plans, and group term life insurance to employers throughout the U.S. For many U.S. workers, most group policies are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), millions of which are underwritten by Companion. The stringent filing procedures can make pursuing an ERISA claim extraordinarily difficult.
Moreover, for those who have Companion Life, it may be difficult to understand how to navigate their network of nationwide agents who sell its products but are nowhere to be found when it is time to pursue a claim. Time is a significant factor in ERISA disability claims, and if the short window closes, you may not get a second chance.
That is why we are here. Our disability insurance attorneys represent Companion policyholders across the nation — no matter where they live or work in the U.S. — with only their best interests and true success in mind so our clients can pursue the benefits they are entitled to from their employer-provided coverage or their personal policies. Contact us today to learn more.
Filing a claim through an employer-provided disability insurance policy may involve specific considerations and potential challenges.
Here are some factors to consider:
Employer-provided disability insurance is often offered as part of a group policy. Group policies may have standardized terms, conditions, and definitions of disability. Individual policies, on the other hand, can be tailored to the policyholder’s specific needs and may offer more flexibility.
Employer-provided policies may have waiting periods before benefits kick in, and the employer may determine eligibility criteria. Individual policies may allow for more customization of waiting periods and eligibility requirements.
Group disability insurance policies employers provide may have limitations on coverage and benefits. These policies may cover a specific percentage of an employee’s salary, and the benefits may be subject to certain maximum limits.
Employer-provided disability insurance may be coordinated with other employee benefits, such as sick leave, short-term disability, or long-term disability. Coordinating benefits can add complexity to the claims process.
The employer is often involved when filing a claim through an employer-provided policy. This involvement may include providing necessary documentation, verifying employment status, and coordinating with the insurance carrier.
Some employer-provided disability insurance policies may be part of a broader employee assistance program. This could involve additional support services and resources for employees facing disabilities, but it may also introduce more administrative steps.
Group policies typically have underwriting standards for all employees, regardless of their health conditions. This means that pre-existing conditions may be treated differently than in individual policies.
Filing a disability claim often requires detailed medical documentation. With employer-provided policies, there may be a need to coordinate between the employee, healthcare providers, and the employer to gather the necessary information.
Both individual and group policies provide an appeals process in case a claim is denied. However, the specific procedures and timelines for appeals may vary between employer-provided and respective policies.
Employees have rights under ERISA regarding employer-provided disability benefits. Understanding these rights and protections is essential for employees navigating the claims process.
ERISA is a federal statute that provides stringent deadlines and guidelines for claimants and insurance companies to abide by in the processing of a claim, submission of an appeal, and, ultimately, the determination of eligibility for benefits under a long-term or short-term disability insurance policy.
ERISA creates an unequal claims process, placing strict obligations on individuals pursuing benefits that make maneuvering a claim difficult and frustrating for unaware claimants when they should focus on their recovery. For most, the process is mysterious and often confusing. What you do not know and what your insurance carrier will not tell you can be fatal to your claim.
Understanding your insurance policy terms, your rights and obligations when filing a claim, and the insurance company’s common denial tactics can mean the difference between obtaining the benefits you deserve and a denied claim.
We are fully dedicated to providing transparent legal services that allow us to pursue real results for real people who need our help – no matter where they live or work in the U.S.
If you are receiving resistance from Companion for your U.S. disability claim, or if your claim has already been denied, contact our dedicated disability insurance attorneys nationwide at 954-989-9000 or online to schedule a free, confidential case assessment without delay.
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