Obtaining Disability Insurance Coverage
If your employer does not offer long-term disability coverage as an employee welfare benefit, you may be able to obtain coverage in a different way. For example, you can purchase disability insurance on your own that is not a group policy. If you are a professional and part of a professional association or organization, you can purchase group disability insurance through the association or organization.
One such association is the American Association of Orthodontists (“AAO”). If you are an orthodontist and a member of the AAO, there are a number of insurance policies you can purchase that are specifically designed for orthodontists.
Disability Insurance Through the AAO
Group long-term disability insurance offered through the AAO is underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company.
A highlight of the AAO New York Life disability insurance policy is that it is an own-occupation policy. That means the definition of disability is more restricted to mean that you are disabled if you cannot work as an orthodontist, even if you can work in another occupation.
Another highlight is that the coverage transfers with you as you change jobs. If you have a group policy through an employer, you will likely lose that coverage if you change employers. However, this coverage stays with you as you change employers because the policy is issued to you, not a specific employer. However, you must maintain AAO membership to keep the coverage.
One thing to note is that although this is group disability policy, it is not governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). Since ERISA does not apply, you have more leverage as a claimant should the claim be denied, and litigation be necessary. In this type of case, state law applies.
Submitting a Claim to New York Life
If you become disabled, you will need to file a claim with New York Life Insurance Company. You will need to complete claim forms, submit medical records, and your doctor(s) will also need to complete forms attesting to your disability and how it prevents you from working as an orthodontist.
We have handled numerous claims on behalf of orthodontists who are no longer able to work. As experienced disability insurance attorneys we know what New York Life looks for in a claim and how they operate. We understand when more than just medical records are necessary to obtain approval. Our attorneys work closely with you and your doctors to ensure you submit a strong claim
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 us at (800) 969-0488 or send us a message online for a free consultation with a disability attorney. You won’t owe us anything unless we win.
