Long-term disability (LTD) benefits provide a crucial lifeline, ensuring financial stability when illness or injury prevents you from working. When these benefits are suddenly cut off, the impact can be devastating. For successful professionals, this disruption can jeopardize a carefully built lifestyle and long-term plans.
Insurance companies often terminate benefits with little notice, citing reasons that range from questionable to outright unjustifiable. Their goal is to minimize payouts—and they have entire teams of adjusters and lawyers to support their decisions. However, with the right knowledge and legal representation, you can challenge their actions and reinstate your benefits.
At Kantor & Kantor, we understand the nuances of insurance policies and the tactics insurers use to minimize their payouts. More importantly, we understand the impact that the loss of these benefits can have on your life and well-being. This is why we are committed to restoring your benefits.
Why Was My LTD Terminated?
Insurance companies commonly offer these reasons for terminating LTD benefits:
1. Claiming Your Condition Has Improved
Insurance companies frequently review claims to determine if you are still eligible. They may rely on their doctors or medical consultants to claim you are no longer disabled. Even minor signs of improvement can be used as an excuse to terminate your benefits.
2. Insufficient Medical Evidence
Your insurer might argue that there is not enough documentation to prove you are still disabled. This could happen if they think your doctor’s records are incomplete or outdated or if they believe you have not sought enough treatment.
3. Missed Deadlines or Paperwork
Insurance companies often require regular updates, including medical records or questionnaires. If you miss a deadline or fail to submit what they ask for, they may use that as a reason to terminate your benefits.
4. Reaching the End of Your Benefit Period
Most LTD insurance plans have a defined duration for benefits, which could range from two years to ten years, extend to your Social Security normal retirement age, or vary based on your policy. Once this period ends, your monthly payments stop, even if you remain disabled.
5. Your Insurer No Longer Considers You Disabled
This determination can arise for several reasons, such as a shift in the policy’s disability definition from “own occupation” to “any occupation,” a review of your medical records by independent professionals hired by the insurer, results from independent medical exams or field visits, or even evidence gathered through surveillance or your social media activity.
6. Non-Compliance With Policy Requirements
Many insurance plans requrepresentative or to specific conditions, such as maintaining regular medical treatment, undergoing periodic independent medical exams, attending field visits with an insurance representative, or providing requested medical records and information. Failure to meet these requirements could lead to the termination of your benefits.
Steps to Take Immediately After Termination
Start by carefully reviewing the termination letter from your insurance company. This document will outline why your benefits were stopped and what steps you need to take to appeal. Pay close attention to the deadline for filing an appeal—these deadlines are often strict, typically allowing you 180 days, though this may vary depending on your policy.
Next, gather all relevant documents related to your claim. This includes your insurance policy, medical records, communications with the insurer, and the termination letter itself. These materials will form the foundation of your case and will be crucial during the appeals process.
It is also important to contact your treating physicians as soon as possible. Discuss the situation with them and ensure they continue to support your claim. Ask for updated medical records and a letter explaining your ongoing condition and why it prevents you from working.
Your next step is to file an administrative appeal with the insurance company. This is your opportunity to present additional evidence, correct any errors in their assessment, and strengthen your case. Remember, this process can be complex and technical, so being thorough is essential.
Finally, consider consulting a disability attorney. Appealing a termination of LTD benefits involves navigating strict deadlines, legal jargon, and detailed medical evidence. Our experienced attorney can help you build a strong appeal, communicate with the insurer on your behalf, and even take legal action if necessary.
We are people helping people, and we are here to help you secure the benefits you deserve.
How Kantor & Kantor Can Help
Our team is dedicated to fighting for professionals whose LTD benefits have been wrongfully terminated. Here is how we support you:
Case Evaluation
We start by thoroughly reviewing your case, including your insurance policy, the termination letter, and your medical records. This helps us identify the insurance company’s errors or weaknesses in their reasoning.
Strengthen Your Claim
Insurance companies often terminate benefits due to “insufficient evidence” or misinterpretation of medical records. We will work closely with your doctors and other professionals to gather updated medical evidence, personal statements, and expert opinions to prove your disability.
Handle Communication with the Insurer
Insurance companies can be intimidating and difficult to deal with. We will take over all communication, ensuring that your case is presented clearly, effectively, and on time. You will no longer have to deal with the stress of back-and-forth phone calls or confusing paperwork.
File a Strong Appeal
The appeal process is your chance to challenge the termination and provide additional evidence. We will craft a comprehensive appeal that addresses the insurance company’s reasoning and demonstrates why your benefits should be reinstated.
Litigate if Necessary
If your appeal is denied, we are ready to take legal action. Our experienced litigators have successfully fought insurance companies in court, and we will work tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Speak With a Long-Term Disability Lawyer Today
Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over your well-being. They may use technicalities, misinterpretations, or incomplete evidence to justify cutting off benefits. However, you have the power to challenge their decision with the right legal support.
Our LTD lawyers have helped countless clients just like you. We know how to deal with insurance companies, understand their tactics, and, most importantly, how to hold them accountable.
Contact our Long-Term Disability Attorneys today at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation.
