Some people have long-term disability insurance provided by their employers. The policy is part of a comprehensive benefits package that might include other forms of insurance and paid leave from work. Other people purchase their own long-term disability insurance. Self-employed professionals and those who serve as the primary wage earners for their families may feel strongly about having protection in case they become unable to work.
The development of a serious medical issue may leave someone in need of long-term disability insurance benefits. They may submit a claim, only to have their insurance company reject it. They may then need to pursue an appeal. How can someone prove to an insurance company that they truly need disability benefits?
With thorough medical documentation
The most common mistake people make when seeking out long-term disability benefits involves assuming that a diagnosis is enough to secure benefits. They may provide basic medical documentation showing that a doctor has affirmed that they have a disabling medical condition.
Contrary to what many people believe, a diagnosis alone is usually insufficient. After all, medical conditions present differently in each patient. A condition that leaves one patient hospitalized for weeks might only cause intermittent symptoms for someone else.
Therefore, those seeking long-term disability benefits need to provide thorough medical records to the insurance company. In addition to diagnostic information, they need to show the impact that the condition has on their daily life. Undergoing extensive testing is one way to establish authoritative medical records affirming the severity of a medical condition.
A functional capacity evaluation is a perfect example. It is a multi-hour test administered by a professional to establish the real-world implications of a serious medical condition. Test results can confirm someone’s claim that they cannot work and require disability benefits to cover their routine expenses.
The more medical records someone has when they apply for benefits or appeal an unfavorable decision, the better their chances of securing the benefits they need. Those preparing to apply for long-term disability benefits or responding to a denied long-term disability application may require assistance. Working with a professional can help people focus on their recovery and their families instead of on insurance company red tape.