Things to Keep in Mind when Appealing an American United Long-Term Disability Claim Denial

As an American United disability insurance policyholder, submitting a disability claim is something you need to do after you become disabled and unable to work. If the company denies your claim, the thought of fighting this insurance giant can be overwhelming. However, you don’t need to do it alone. An experienced American United disability claims lawyer can be your ally to help you fight for the insurance benefits you are owed and deserve. Your attorney will make sure you are treated with dignity and respect. Whether you have an individual disability, group disability, life insurance, health insurance, or long-term care insurance claim, your attorney will answer any questions you may have about your policy or denied insurance claim.

Common Tactics American United Uses to Deny Disability Insurance Claims

American United is part of the OneAmerica group of insurance companies. But, with all insurance providers, the company has a history of denied valid claims. Its tactics to deny or delay disability benefits follow a familiar industry playbook. American United will give payouts that are less than what the policyholders are entitled to, does not review disability claims appeals sufficiently, use biased physicians to support bogus claim denials, or ignore the opinions of medical specialists who support a claim.

Insurance companies like American United usually try to wear down policyholders, hoping that they will give up instead of fight for their benefits. They may repeatedly make burdensome requests for more documentation or downplay medical evidence that supports the disability or entitlement to insurance benefits. Often, they may deny claims because it’s only supported by subjective evidence even if the policy doesn’t require objective evidence. In some instances, the company will request independent medical reviews by unqualified physicians or individuals.

Keep the Deadlines in Mind

If you have submitted a disability claim with American United and received a denial letter, it is important to take action immediately. If your long-term disability claim is denied, you must file an administrative appeal with American United. Usually, you only have 180 days or less to collect all your evidence and file an appeal on time. If you miss this deadline, your only option is to submit a new application from the initial stage, hoping to get a different result.

The best way to avoid such unpleasant situation is to opt for income protection plan. This is basically an insurance policy, beneficial for the policyholders who are incapable of working due to illness, disability or retirement. The policyholders can expect to get all their bills paid until they go back to their work or they are 65 or they die.

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When appealing, pay attention to details in your denial letter to know why your claim was denied and how to file an appeal. Also, the letter will outline the deadlines and specific requirements to fill your appeal.