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When someone thinks of insurance, what comes to mind often has to do with compensation for people who have suffered injuries or damage that’s been done to their property.
While this sort of coverage is certainly important, there are many other types of insurance. One of the most important things insurance can protect is a person’s ability to earn an income should they become unable to work. This is where insurance like Cigna long term disability coverage comes into play.
Short- and long-term disability coverage are both meant to make up for periods of time in which the policyholder is unable to work. But the process of getting claims approved can be difficult, and many insurance providers have been accused of offering subpar coverage.
And the issue has only been worsened by the pandemic, according to the Financial Post. Denials of coverage have reportedly increased, as have claims. Indeed, while total U.S. deaths from COVID-19 have surpassed 520,000 as of March 11, 2021, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, the long-term effects of the virus may cause a wave of long-term disabilities in the country.
Some COVID-19 patients may suffer significant long-term issues after their initial recovery from the initial infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. These patients have referred to themselves as “long haulers,” and their condition has been called either “long COVID-19” or post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Their lingering symptoms include fatigue, joint and chest pain, shortness of breath, headache and muscle aches, memory and concentration problems, and loss of taste or smell, among other things, according to the Mayo Clinic.
According to Cigna’s website, disability insurance is provided to help consumers “prepare today to better help protect tomorrow.”
Typical health insurance is meant to cover any medical bills patients may incur, but Cigna long term disability insurance and other long-term disability policies are intended to supplement part of what policyholders would have earned had they had not been injured or diagnosed with a debilitating illness.
Cigna coverage is often paid by employers, but employees often have the option to add benefits at an increased cost.
As the name suggests, long-term disability benefits are meant to cover a period during which an employee is out of work much longer than what short-term disability covers. Short-term disability policies generally provide coverage for three to six months, while long-term disability benefits generally cover periods of a few years, according to The Balance Careers.
Cigna long term disability insurance pays a percentage of the policyholder’s covered income — up to 60 percent or $5,000 per month — during the time they are unable to work. Most long-term disability policies will cover two, five, or 10 years, but some last until the disabled worker reaches retirement age.
The benefits of long-term disability insurance include money to cover a range of expenses such as housing, food, and anything else a person needs to support themselves while they’re out of work.
Cigna claims it provides quick payments and automatic claim submissions. This second point means Cigna will automatically file claims for those covered by Cigna’s Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, or Hospital Care insurance coverage.
Cigna also provides “expert health and vocational coaches” to help policyholders return to health sooner, the company website says.
According to the site, the company saw a 91 percent increase in reports of policyholders feeling positive about returning to work after coaching. The company also offers various programs and services for claimants and their families.
Cigna says it offers lower rates than competitors because policyholders don’t purchase coverage on their own. The company cites payroll deductions as an easier way for policyholders to make quick payments.
The process of receiving Cigna long term disability benefits can be difficult.
The coverage is something that would be offered by a person’s employer with any added benefits paid by the employee. To file a claim, the policyholder will first need to determine what kind of claim they should be making: short-term or long-term disability.
To make a claim, the policyholder will need to have a medical exam. Once they’ve determined they will need Cigna long term disability insurance, they must complete a claim form with the help of their employer. This form should be submitted with a physician’s statement. This can be done via mail, fax, or Cigna’s online portal.
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The paperwork is relatively simple. It’s getting approved that can be difficult.
Patients must prove they are unable to work without triggering any of Cigna’s exceptions.
For instance, coverage is likely to be denied for any issues related to a pre-existing condition. Coverage may also be limited for those seeking benefits due to mental-health or nervous disorders, such as anxiety or eating disorders, according to Cigna.
To qualify for Cigna long term disability benefits, the patient must meet a number of requirements.
First, they must be unable to work. They must also be under the care of a medical provider and the injury or illness must meet the definition of a disability for a long-term disability insurance claim.
Simply put, disabilities are health issues that limit a person’s ability to communicate, move, or complete tasks. The specific definition of “disability” used by a person’s insurance carrier should be included in the terms and conditions to which they agreed. Issues that may be covered by Cigna long term disability insurance include the following:
A growing number of people are coming forward, alleging their legitimate disability claims were unjustly denied by their insurance company, leaving them without essential benefits when they need them most. If you are denied coverage by Cigna, you may wish to seek the assistance of an attorney. Legal counsel can greatly increase the likelihood that an appeal will be taken seriously by the carrier.
Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork by connecting you with an experienced attorney who can help you find any additional evidence that may help prove the veracity of your Cigna claim.
This evidence can be used on appeal or in any legal action taken against the provider. Cigna in particular has a poor track record with behavioral health claims, according to MedCity News and Becker’s Hospital Review.
If your insurance provider has a history of poor practices, you may want to consider filing or joining a class action lawsuit.
