WHAT CLAIMANTS NEED TO KNOW LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE
If you are insured through your employer, there’s a good chance your policy includes long-term disability (LTD) insurance. This important coverage helps you pay the bills if you are injured and left unable to work. Unfortunately, the subtleties of actually making a long-term disability claim lead many to be denied. Here’s what you need to know heading into the claims process. Document Your Disability Your insurance provider will look for any reason to diminish your claim. You need to do your part to demonstrate the full scope of your injury. Providing all medical records, including visits to therapists and prescriptions, can strengthen your claim and keep the insurance company from misrepresenting your claim. Furthermore, if you appeal a denied claim in federal court, you can no longer submit new evidence to help your case. It’s far better to inundate your insurer with evidence than submit the bare minimum. Consulting with an experienced disability lawyer can help you understand what qualifies as evidence. If Denied, Act Quickly Your window to appeal an LTD denial varies by policy, but it is usually about 180 days. Still, it’s important to get working on your appeal right away, as it gets harder to ask for an extension the closer you are to the deadline. Your first act should be to
request the full administrative claims file from your insurer. You have the
absolute right to this information, and it will help you understand how the administrator interpreted your claim. From there, you can compile evidence that disproves their conclusions. Seek Counsel
A skilled disability attorney, like Paul Young, can help you piece together the evidence from your claims file and medical records to aid you in the appeals process. If your administrative appeals are denied, then a disability attorney can fight for your claim in federal court. A denial doesn’t need to be the end of the road when it comes to supporting yourself and your loved ones after a long-term disability.
SUDOKU
ZUCCHINI SALAD WITH TOASTED HAZELNUTS
INGREDIENTS •
3 small zucchini (3/4 lb.) 1/2 tsp lemon zest, grated 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
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Mint leaves, for garnish
• • • • •
Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano, for garnish
DIRECTIONS 1. Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into extremely thin, wide ribbons. 2. Arrange zucchini ribbons on a plate, sprinkle with lemon zest, and drizzle with juice. 3. Drizzle oil over zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss. 4. Scatter hazelnuts over the top, garnish with mint and cheese, and serve.
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