Tips to Avoid Denials of Canadian Disability Benefits

More people than ever before buy Canadian disability benefits insurance products, so that they can get long term care whenever such situations arise.

However, sadly, the insurance claim is denied too often.

“This is a huge problem,” says a lawyer of a firm that represents individuals who are denied benefits by insurers.

Another lawyer was of the opinion that no other segment of law has more red tape and barriers in getting claims paid than long term disability law.

Yet, it is unfair to single out long term care insurers.

As per statistics, in 2013, more than 270, 000 Americans received close to USD7.5 billion in long term care benefits. The story of Canadian disability benefits claims, in all probability, is similar.

However, still, many seniors spend months or even years struggling to persuade insurers to pay benefits.

To help avoid denials, here are a few tips:

Get to know when the time starts ticking

You get benefits only after a deductible or an elimination period. You must understand what an elimination or deductible period is because typically all policies contain this period. This period is a specific number of days during which the insured individual is eligible but no long-term care benefits are paid.

However, remember that you needn’t satisfy an elimination period before you file for your claims. Do this as soon as you begin getting long-term care services.

Qualify the long term disability tests

This is very important. You must have proper documentation from your physician that you are “cognitively impaired”. The doctor’s report must reflect the type of care mentioned in the policy, as the insurer will verify the claim either by phone or a personal visit.

Check whether the care giver is eligible

Read carefully the fine print in the policy document to see whether the care giver qualifies. Typically, only those care givers are eligible that are found by State agencies, accreditors, or others who provide quality care.

With a little bit of effort and care, you can avoid denials by insurers.