If an extension is necessary due to your failure to submit the information necessary to decide the appeal, the notice of extension will specifically describe the required information, and you will be afforded at least 45 days to provide the specified information. If you deliver the requested information within the time specified, the 45-day extension of the appeal period will begin after you have provided that information. If you fail to deliver the requested information within the time specified, Unum may decide your appeal without that information. You will have the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, or other information in support of your appeal. You will have access to all relevant documents as defined by applicable U.S. Department of Labor regulations. The review of the adverse benefit determination will take into account all new information, whether or not presented or available at the initial determination. No deference will be afforded to the initial determination. The review will be conducted by Unum and will be made by a person different from the person who made the initial determination and such person will not be the original decision maker's subordinate. In the case of a claim denied on the grounds of a medical judgment, Unum will consult with a health professional with appropriate training and experience. The health care professional who is consulted on appeal will not be the individual who was consulted during the initial determination or a subordinate. If the advice of a medical or vocational expert was obtained by the Plan in connection with the denial of your claim, Unum will provide you with the names of each such expert, regardless of whether the advice was relied upon. Prior to a final decision being made on an appeal, you will have the opportunity to review and respond to any new or additional rationale or evidence considered, relied upon, or generated by the plan in connection with your claim. A notice that your request on appeal is denied will contain the following information: - the specific reason(s) for the determination: - a reference to the specific Plan provision(s) on which the determination is based; - an explanation of the basis for disagreeing or not following the views of: 1) health care professionals who have treated you or vocational professionals who have evaluated you; 2) the advice of medical or vocational professionals obtained on behalf of the plan; and 3) any disability determination made by the Social Security Administration regarding you and presented to the plan by you. - a statement disclosing any internal rule, guidelines, protocol or similar criteria relied on in making the adverse determination or a statement that such rules, etc. do not exist; - a statement describing your right to bring a lawsuit under Section 502(a) of ERISA if you disagree with the decision; - the statement that you are entitled to receive upon request, and without charge, reasonable access to or copies of all documents, records or other information relevant to the determination; - the statement that "You or your Plan may have other voluntary alternative dispute resolution options, such as mediation. One way to find out what may be available is to contact your local U.S. Department of Labor Office and your State insurance regulatory agency"; and - you will be given notice of any applicable contractual limitation period that applies to your right to bring legal proceedings and the calendar date on which that period expires. Notice of the determination may be provided in written or electronic form. Electronic notices will be provided in a form that complies with any applicable legal requirements. Unless there are special circumstances, this administrative appeal process must be completed before you begin any legal action regarding your claim. Your Rights Under ERISA As a participant in this Plan you are entitled to certain rights and protections under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). ERISA provides that all Plan participants shall be entitled to: Receive Information About Your Plan and Benefits Examine, without charge, at the Plan Administrator's office and at other specified locations, all documents governing the Plan, including insurance contracts, and a copy of the latest annual report (Form 5500
(1/1/2025)
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