UNUM has been a nightmare!

Options
Mary85
Mary85 Member Posts: 46
edited June 2014 in Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues

Hi ladies! Just seriously need to vent right now because I am at my wits end. First and foremost I am so glad to have an employer who's been so flexible and understanding in terms of me taking medical leave. I'm also grateful to have STD and LTD insurance to help cover my expenses while I am on medical leave. But goodness grief, it has been a nightmare getting UNUM to just pay me my claim benefits!

The problems didn't start until my short term disability kicked over into LTD. My last STD payment was received mid-February so I've been waiting TWO MONTHS for my LTD payment! UNUM has been giving me the runaround the entire time! Every time I call to follow up on the status of my claim they tell me it is still under review. UNUM is constantly requesting the same documents from my employer and medical providers over and over again, even though they've been provided to UNUM already. Each time they request a new document, the review of the document takes an additional 5 business days. This entire time they keep giving me these bogus dates on when my claim will be approved and paid, constantly pushing up the time as each date passes by still unresolved.

My treatment, even with health insurance, has been costly. Constantly paying doctor bills, co-pays, and parking fees at my numerous (and lengthy) doctors appointments, has tapped out my savings. And disability insurance only covers a little more than half my regular salary so I've had to cover the difference the best I can. Right now, my disability insurance is the only income I have and these past two months of waiting for my claim to be paid has wreaked havoc on my finances. How can I concentrate on recovery when I am completely stressed about paying my bills? UNUM has just been absolutely horrible. They do not care about how their incompetence affects my quality of life. Isn't having cancer stressful enough?!

I feel like screaming.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited April 2014

    Mary, I don't know what UNUM means, and am wondering if others do.  But, in general, I think many of the entities that are involved with insurance and/or disability payments have become horrible recently -- going out of their way to hire clueless employees who either through stupidity or intentionally delay payments every way possible.  I know my DH went through it when he went on temporary disability to have knee surgery (it took mos. to straighten it out), and we went through something similarly stressful -- so stressful that I truly believe it precipitated my recent Stage IV dx -- with a homeowners insurance claim for a devastating flood in our home.  I was so angry on the phone one day, I actually was afraid I might have a heart attack or a stroke!  And now that I'm also dealing with mets, I have twice been denied PetScans, home nursing post surgery, inpatient P/T, and other things by my insurance company that would never have been an issue in past years.  I don't know why it's gotten so bad, but I hope it helps just a tiny bit to know that you are far from alone in what you're experiencing.  

    As far as practical help, is there someone close to you who might be able to take over that area of paperwork for you -- someone who could do the calling and faxing and emailing or whatever is required to give you some relief from the stress?

    Other than that, all I can say is, just take deep breaths and just keep being the squeaky wheel until you get the payments you're owed, because from my experience, these things can be corrected with persistence.      (((Hugs))), and hang in there!    Deanna

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wilsie2
    Wilsie2 Member Posts: 441
    edited April 2014

    I have been paying for UNUM Long term healthcare insurance for 14 years. It has been my assurance that I could be taken care of medically, when I can not take care of myself. My DD would do anything in the world for me, but I was thinking I could stay in my own home and have care from both.  I sure do hope you have gotten straightened out with UNUM, I don't want to go through a big hassle when I eventually do need it. 

    I saw my aunt go through a small fortune in Assisted Living. 

    Wilsie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mary85
    Mary85 Member Posts: 46
    edited April 2014

    Deanna, I'm so sorry to hear about all the trouble you've been through! That's awful! I totally agree about being the squeaky wheel. Who knows what the situation would have been if I never followed up.

    Wilsie, I only speak for my own experience with UNUM. I really hope you don't encounter any of the same problems!

    Thank you both!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited April 2014

    File complaints with your state insurance commissioner's office. 

    I did 2 online earlier this month due to delays in payment for pre-approved services dating back to November 2013. They now have 30 days to resolve. The government needs to be aware of companies operating this way, it's bad faith and they could be penalized (which would drive up costs but perhaps result in better service!)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mary85
    Mary85 Member Posts: 46
    edited April 2014

    Vlnrph, I didn't even know that was an option! I'm glad there is somewhere I can file a complaint. I felt like there was nothing I could do. I've waited for 2 months so I think I've been more than patient. Thanks for the info!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited April 2014

    What is UNUM?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mary85
    Mary85 Member Posts: 46
    edited April 2014

    UNUM is an insurance company. They are my disability insurance provider. I think they provide life insurance too.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories