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Archive for August, 2021

Can I Claim Insurance Disability for “Long COVID”?

Posted on: August 27th, 2021 by Timothy Hendershot
For too many, COVID turns into Long COVID. It’s a new condition, but you may qualify for long-term disability insurance benefits.

For too many, COVID turns into Long COVID. It’s a new condition, but you may qualify for long-term disability insurance benefits.

Though we have discovered so much about COVID-19, including how it spreads, how to combat it, and who is most at risk, we are only now beginning to comprehend the virus’s long-term effects on our bodies. Roughly 30% of coronavirus patients suffer from long-term COVID or post-COVID symptoms. If this is you, you may be eligible for long-term disability insurance benefits.

COVID-19 has the potential to cause permanent damage and disability

Most people with COVID-19 begin to feel better within a few weeks, but this life-threatening virus has a profound influence on the human body that we are only now beginning to comprehend.

At least one-third of hospitalized COVID-19 patients suffer symptoms a month following their diagnosis, according to a Michigan-based survey of 1,648 individuals. Furthermore, 10% of those who were not admitted to the hospital complained of persistent fatigue, physical weakness, mental fogginess, anxiety, and shortness of breath.

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID, or “post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV2 infection,” is still not yet fully understood by doctors and researchers. After contracting COVID-19, a large number of patients struggle to completely recover. They have trouble returning to their pre-COVID routine, even though their viral loads appear to be low and their diagnostic tests are within “normal limits.”

Can I claim long-term disability for Long COVID?

Possibly. Start by studying the text of your policy to determine your eligibility and coverage for long-term disability benefits. Look for the following details in particular:

  • The definition of disability in your policy
  • Its limitations and exclusions, particularly when it comes to “self-reported” symptoms.
  • The procedures for filing a claim and appealing a decision.
  • Any applicable waiting or exclusion periods for your claim

If you need help understanding the lengthy, technical language in your disability insurance policy, arrange an appointment with an experienced disability insurance lawyer at our Cunnane Law Office in Edmonds, WA.

You’ll need a lot of information regarding your medical issues and actual abilities to file a claim for disability insurance benefits. Because Long COVID is a new condition, insurance adjusters are unfamiliar with its characteristics and symptoms, which means you’ll have to educate them.

You should collect:

  • Copies of your medical records, particularly those relating to your COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment.
  • Doctors’ statements about your long-term COVID symptoms, as well as any objective evidence that support your claim.
  • Any other details you have regarding your condition and limitations

Are COVID Long-Haulers’ Disability Claims Being Denied by Insurers?

When there is a rare or newly discovered condition, disability insurance adjusters are more likely to refuse claims, especially when they have hard-to-measure symptoms like fatigue and mental fogginess. When it comes to Long COVID, we’re currently seeing a lot of skepticism from insurance companies.

Many adjusters are likely to argue that persons with Long COVID have fully recovered from the coronavirus and may return to work, suggesting that their symptoms are exaggerated. They could also claim that Long COVID symptoms are self-reported, triggering a two-year long-term disability benefit limitation. That means you might only be eligible for two years of benefits, dramatically reducing the value of your claim.

To fight back, you’ll need to work closely with a top disability insurance lawyer and experts, such as our team at Cunnane Law in Edmonds WA, who can explain the new diagnosis, the objective evidence that supports it, and how it affects a person’s capacity to work. Contact us today and let’s start talking about how we can help.

Note: This information was provided not for any specific claim and is written in broad and general terms and may not be the right path to follow for a particular claim or case. This information is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. It is always best to receive direct legal counsel for your legal issues. It is never too early to call the attorney, but it can be too late.

Speeding Up the Long-Term Disability Claim Approval Process

Posted on: August 16th, 2021 by Timothy Hendershot
Insurance companies don’t move quickly, but with expert legal help, you have a better chance of getting your claim settled on time and in your favor.

Insurance companies don’t move quickly, but with expert legal help, you have a better chance of getting your claim settled on time and in your favor.

Filing your disability claim can be both a daunting and overwhelming process and once you have submitted your long-term disability claim application, waiting for disability approval or denial may seem like it takes forever. Fortunately Cunnane Law in Edmonds WA may be able to assist you.

Here are some things that you can do to help speed up the approval process.

Be Proactive When Supplying All Your Medical Records

Because you are disabled due to injury or illness, the insurance company want to review your medical records. The more issues you have, the more records they will want to look at.

You will be able to speed up this process by obtaining these records and submitting them as soon as possible, preferably before the insurance company requests them.

Always Respond Promptly and Accurately to Any Requests for Information.

Your claim could be delayed or denied if your application is missing any key information. It can also be delayed if you do not meet the insurance company’s requests for additional information or their deadlines.

As an example, most disability insurance policies may require you to have an Independent Medical Exam (IME) or Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE). By failing to cooperate, your claim can be denied.

If you cause any delays, the insurance company may be entitled to additional extensions of time as allowed by the law, giving them a longer time to reach a decision.

For this reason it’s important for you to stay on top of every request for information. If you find yourself falling behind, you really should consider speaking to a long-term disability lawyer like Cunnane Law, to ensure you don’t put your claim at risk.

Help Your Doctor Help You

The most important evidence in your long-term disability claim is your doctor’s support. An attending physician statement (APS) is often requested by insurance companies as part of the claim analysis.

By keeping up with your treatment plan and staying in communication with your doctor so they know your current medical condition, you can help your doctor to submit his response on time. Delaying these APS forms can affect how long it takes to get an initial decision.

How Long Does a Long-Term Disability Claim Take?

There is, unfortunately, no definitive answer as to how long it will take to get your long-term disability benefits. It all depends on how long your insurance company takes to reach a decision and if you need to appeal a denial.

The initial application can take up to twelve months for a decision, and then a further nine months for the appeals process.

Do you need help with keeping on top of important deadlines for your long-term disability claim or appeal? Allow Cunnane Law in Edmonds WA, to help you. Contact us today and we’ll walk with you every step of the way.

Note: This information was provided not for any specific claim and is written in broad and general terms and may not be the right path to follow for a particular claim or case. This information is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. It is always best to receive direct legal counsel for your legal issues. It is never too early to call the attorney, but it can be too late.

(425) 672-7100