We understand the challenges policyholders face when denied benefits, and we are here to empower you with knowledge and strategic guidance.
MetLife: A Leading Provider in Long-Term Disability Insurance
MetLife stands as a prominent provider of long-term disability insurance, chosen by millions of Americans annually. Yet a significant percentage of claims face denial for reasons that may seem perplexing. At the Law Offices of Jonathan M. Feigenbaum, we dedicate ourselves to safeguarding your investment and ensuring your policy delivers when you need it most.
Decoding the MetLife Claims Process
Understanding the MetLife claims process is paramount to avoid pitfalls that could jeopardize your claim. While valid denials may occur based on policy exclusions, some rejections lack clear justification. We can help work through the nuances of your claim and determine its viability.
MetLife offers both short-term and long-term disability policies, each with distinct coverage periods. Long-term policies, designed to provide benefits usually to age 65, may demand proving an inability to perform any job, typically after you receive 24 months of benefit payments. The definition of disability in your policy merits careful consideration, as insurers often interpret it more narrowly than policyholders.
Why MetLife Denies Claims: Unveiling Industry Tactics
It’s no secret that insurance companies, including MetLife, benefit from denying or delaying claims. Recognizing potential red flags in the claims process is crucial:
- Requests for Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs): Conducted by under-qualified professionals, typically doctors that make much of their living working for insurance companies, rather than providing patient care.
- Multiple Requests for Duplicate Information: Repetitive requests can signal an attempt to prolong the claim process.
- Extended Decision-Making Time: Delays beyond legal limits often show procedural unfairness which courts don’t tolerate.
- Failure to Consider All Evidence: A failure to review all submitted evidence is a cause for concern. When the insurance company “cherry picks” the evidence, you know you have not been treated fairly.
- Settlement Offers Below Value: Offers to settle for less than the claim’s worth should be scrutinized against present value calculations.
- Minimizing Supporting Medical Evidence: Insufficient consideration of medical evidence may compromise your claim.
ERISA and MetLife Coverage Post-April 2018
ERISA, a complicated federal law, most likely governs MetLife coverage acquired as an employee benefit from a private employer. Those working for the government or a “church plan” are exempt. Revisions to the US Department of Labor regulations, post-April 2018, impose specific obligations on insurers. Compliance with these regulations reshapes claim outcomes and increases your chances of getting paid the benefits you earned for your time of need.
Key ERISA obligations include:
- Meeting Strict Time Deadlines: Timely processing of claims and appeals is mandatory.
- Transparent Basis for Decisions: A clear explanation of adverse decisions is crucial.
- Access to Complete Claim Files: Policyholders are entitled to a comprehensive claim file review.
- Consideration of All Submitted Evidence: Selective review of the evidence is prohibited.
- Competent and impartial reviews: medical and other reviews must meet high standards.
- Social Security Disability determinations may no longer be ignored.
Our expertise allows us to evaluate the insurer’s compliance with these obligations, providing a critical advantage in many cases.
Unmasking Unfair Denial Tactics by MetLife
MetLife employs tactics that policyholders may find challenging to navigate. From providing ambiguous information to incentivizing examiners to minimize injuries, these tactics aim to deny claims. Our commitment is to unveil these strategies and build robust cases that stand up to scrutiny.
Surveillance and Denial: MetLife’s Extensive Resources
MetLife, a financial giant, deploys extensive resources, including surveillance and background checks. Social media scrutiny and private investigators capturing compromising situations are not uncommon. Recognizing and countering these tactics is integral to a successful appeal.
Your Ally in Appealing MetLife Denials
MetLife often relies on policyholders foregoing appeals. By engaging Jonathan M. Feigenbaum, you signal a commitment to securing your rightful benefits. If your claim faces unjust delays or denials, our legal team can move to challenge bad-faith practices.
We meticulously examine medical records, policy details, and job duties to construct compelling cases. Our goal is to ensure MetLife honors its obligations and your claim is processed transparently. Whether you are contemplating an appeal or seeking guidance, call us today.
In the face of a MetLife long-term disability denial, intimidation has no place. Jonathan M. Feigenbaum is your advocate, dedicated to helping you navigate paperwork and preventing bad-faith practices. Take the first step toward securing the benefits you deserve.
