LTD Denied for 2019

Jenkins00

Ugh. So frustrating. I have signed up for LTD every year with my company. Denied this year because of my breast cancer diagnosis. Thank god I have life insurance already set up but this is just not right.

First my husband and now me.

vlnrph

This may not be much comfort right now but, should you ever progress to metastatic disease, Social Security disability payments are available on an expedited basis. Mine was approved ten days after application. I get the monthly amount calculated as if I were at full retirement age. One needs enough work credits during the preceding time period to qualify. You can continue employment because health coverage is probably still required (unless you're old enough for Medicare) however there are income restrictions. Cobra might help in that situation. We had long term care insurance in place prior to diagnosis.

edwards750

Why would BC prevent you from going on LTD?

Diane

Jenkins00

Thanks vlnrph for the information.

edwards750 - I apply every year during benefits open enrollment as my company doesn't cover LTD for employees only STD.

Sadiesservant

I think the confusion is that you are applying for LTD insurance, not actually applying to go on LTD. Correct? I am amazed that they can deny coverage when you have been doing this every year prior to your diagnosis. I’m in Canada so don’t know the system but I would make noise.

Jenkins00

Correct applying for LTD insurance not going on it.

Lumpie

Jenkins00: I'd check carefully. Sounds like they are re-underwriting you every year. I have never know that to be the usual practice. The usual practice is that you sign up once - often upon starting employment. You may be subject to underwriting at that time. So long as you maintain coverage, you are not subject to re-underwriting. If you review written documentation, and verify this process with your HR department, I would check in with the state insurance regulators to be sure that this is legal. This is a very questionable practice. They are taking your money but they get an option to exit the contract for any reason every 12 months? Problematic! Good luck!

Jenkins00

Thank you Lumpie. My HR department wasn’t helpful and the response was this is normal practice. I am looking into this