The American Association of Emergency Physicians (AAEP) offers group disability insurance policies underwritten by Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Company (“Hartford”). Most of these AAEP group disability insurance policies contain protection from the policy holder’s own occupation, which means that he or she is entitled to disability income in the event they can no longer practice as an emergency room physician.
Hartford’s Disability Insurance Policy
Just like any other insurance contract, the specific details regarding coverage in the group policies Hartford offers through the AAEP may vary, so it is critical to pay close attention to the language in your specific group disability insurance policy.
In order to receive disability income, Hartford’s disability insurance policy requires that you be disabled from performing the material and substantial duties of your own occupation. This means you must be unable to perform your work as an emergency room physician due to illness or injury.
Importantly, the disability insurance policy also requires that you be under the appropriate care of a treating physician in order to receive payments.
The AAEP Hartford group disability insurance policy includes options for an elimination period varying from 60 days to 365 days. An elimination period is how long you must wait after Hartford determines that you are disabled before you can start receiving disability income payments. The AAEP Hartford disability insurance policy may pay you up to age 65, depending on the term duration you choose.
The Claim Process with Hartford
First, you and your treating doctor need to come to the decision and agreement that you must stop working in your occupation. As soon as you stop working, you should notify Hartford that you intend to file a disability claim. Do not delay this step, as it will make it more difficult to have your disability income benefits approved.
Once Hartford has been notified, it will request that claim forms be completed both by you and your treating doctor(s). In addition to these completed forms, you should submit medical records and any other evidence that supports your inability to return to work as an emergency room physician.
We have represented several physicians with their disability insurance claims. Sometimes, medical records and claim forms are not enough. From the start, we will work together to determine what is needed to properly prepare your disability claim. Providing details about your specific occupational duties, as well as outside testing or medical reviews, may be necessary for a positive result.
Our attorneys understand how insurance companies review these types of claims. We have significant experience handling AAEP Hartford disability claims. We will guide you through every step of the disability claim process so that you have our years of expertise on your side. By working together with your doctors, our lawyers will help to determine what medical and non-medical evidence is needed to make your claim as strong as possible.
Help from a Lawyer with Expertise in Disability Insurance
Disability insurance law is complex. Hiring an experienced disability attorney is important. Because all disability lawyers at this law firm focus on disability insurance claims, we have expertise in disability insurance law.
That means:
- We have experience with every major disability insurance company;
- We have a proven track record of success by winning major disability lawsuits;
- We have recovered millions of dollars in disability benefits for clients;
- We never charge fees or costs unless our clients get paid.
The firm can help at any stage of your disability insurance claim, including:
- Submitting a disability insurance claim,
- Appealing a long-term disability denial,
- Negotiating a lump-sum settlement, and
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
Because federal law applies to most disability insurance claims, our lawyers are able to represent clients across the country.
Call (800) 969-0488 or send us a message online to speak with an experienced disability attorney. Pay no fees or costs unless you get paid.
