In Florida, your claim for long-term care benefits is governed by your long-term care insurance policy. If you're no longer able to care for your needs on your own and need to go into a long-term care facility, it's important to obtain a complete copy of your insurance policy prior to filing a benefits claim.
Insurance company faces alleged violation of ERISA
A long-term disability policy is designed to help a Florida resident pay for costs related to treating medical issues. According to one woman, Liberty Life Assurance Co. failed to live up to the terms of a policy that she participated in. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, and it claimed that Liberty's actions were in violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Disability payments denied on grounds of preexisting condition
Some people in Florida who have long-term care insurance could have their claims denied if the insurer rules that it is related to a preexisting condition. This happened to a woman in Louisiana who had only a 1 percent chance in 2012 that breast cancer would return after undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy and removal of her lymph nodes.
Court reverses insurance company's claim denial
People in Florida who have long-term disability insurance through their employers or as standalone policies may believe that they will be protected if they are disabled and no longer able to return to their jobs. Unfortunately, some insurance companies routinely deny valid claims. In one case, a federal judge reversed a long-term disability insurance company's denial of a claim by one of its insureds.
Why are long-term care insurance claims denied?
Nursing home care, assisted living care, home care and other types of long-term care can all carry high costs. One thing some individuals do to try to reduce the financial impact future long-term care needs would have on them and their family is to get a long-term care policy.