under Section 502(a) of ERISA following an adverse determination from Unum on appeal; and - disclose any internal rule, guidelines, protocol or similar criterion relied on in making the adverse determination (or state that such information will be provided free of charge upon request). 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. APPEAL PROCEDURES You have 180 days from the receipt of notice of an adverse benefit determination to file an appeal. Requests for appeals should be sent to the address specified in the claim denial. A decision on review will be made not later than 45 days following receipt of the written request for review. If Unum determines that special circumstances require an extension of time for a decision on review, the review period may be extended by an additional 45 days (90 days in total). Unum will notify you in writing if an additional 45 day extension is needed. 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. 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;
ADDLSUM-4 (1/1/2025)
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