Facing a Disability Claim Denial from the Great-West Life Assurance Company
Have you become disabled and can no longer work, or are you worried about what to do if you become disabled?? You’re not alone. Millions of people each year find themselves in the same position.
Have you filed a claim with Great-West life? Did you receive a denial letter? Don’t feel discouraged! A denial is not set in stone, and there’s still a chance you can get the coverage you need.
We have experience representing clients who have been denied, and our team of experts is available to help guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Read on to find out more:
1. How to File a Disability Claim With Great-West Life
Filing a disability claim with Great-West Life is a straightforward process that can be done online or over the phone. When you’re ready to file a claim, be sure to have your documents ready.
These include your policy number, contact information, and a description of your disabling condition handy. You’ll also need to provide the date your disability began and your treating physician’s contact information.
Once you’ve gathered all of the required information, filing your claim is as easy as following the prompts on Great-West Life’s website or speaking with a customer service representative.
2. Great-West Life Disability Claim Denials
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having your insurance claim denied, don’t despair. Though it can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of getting the coverage you’re entitled to.
The first step is to request a copy of the insurance company’s claim denial letter. This letter will explain the reason for the denial and what you can do to appeal it.
If you disagree with the denial, you have the right to file an appeal. The appeals process will vary depending on your policy, but in general, you’ll need to submit additional documentation supporting your claim.
It’s also a good idea to contact your state’s insurance department for help. The department can mediate between you and your insurer and may get your claim approved without going through the formal appeals process.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to hire an attorney if you feel like you’re not getting anywhere on your own. A lawyer who specializes in insurance law will know how to navigate the appeals process and give you the best chance of success.
3. How to Appeal a Denial
The first step in appealing a denial is to gather additional documentation supporting your claim. This could include medical records, treatment notes, and letters from your treating physician.
Once you have this documentation, you’ll need to submit it to Great-West Life along with a written appeal. Be sure to include your name, policy number, and a daytime phone number where you can be reached.
It can be helpful to include a cover letter with your appeal. In the cover letter, you should briefly explain why you’re appealing the decision, and list the enclosures included with your appeal.
Once your appeal is received, Great-West Life will review your case. Someone who did not participate in the original decision will conduct this review.
After reviewing your case, Great-West Life will determine whether to overturn the denial. If they decide to uphold the denial, they will send you a letter explaining their decision.
If they decide to overturn the denial, they will send you a letter confirming that your claim has been approved and benefits will be paid.
What Happens if I Miss My Appeal Deadline?
If you miss your appeal deadline, you may lose your right to contest the decision. Be sure to review your denial letter carefully to determine the deadlines for appealing the decision.
If you have any questions about the appeals process, contact an attorney specializing in disability insurance law.
Appeals must be submitted within a certain timeframe, and missing the deadline could mean you lose your chance to have your case reviewed.
An attorney can help ensure that you meet all the requirements for appealing a decision, and can help gather evidence and prepare your argument.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – if you have received a denial letter, take action immediately to protect your rights.
What if My Doctor Won’t Support My Claim?
If you are disabled and unable to work, you may be able to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. To qualify, you must have worked enough years and paid Social Security taxes.
You must also show that your disability is severe enough that it prevents you from working. One way to establish your disability is to have your treating physician fill out a Disability Report.
This report provides detailed information about your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. However, not all physicians are willing or able to support their patients’ disability claims.
If your treating physician is unwilling or unable to support your claim, you may still obtain benefits by submitting other documentation, such as medical records, treatment notes, or letters from other physicians.
However, it’s important to note that the burden of proof is on you to establish that you are disabled and unable to work. An experienced disability attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation to support your claim.
Long-Term Disability Denial
If you’ve been denied long-term disability benefits from Great-West Life, it can be a frustrating and confusing experience. However, it’s important to remember that you have the right to appeal the decision.
In some cases, the denial may be based on a misunderstanding or error by the insurance company. In other cases, the denial may be justified.
Applying for long-term disability benefits can be a complex and confusing process.
Insurance companies often have strict requirements for what types of conditions qualify for benefits, and it is not always clear what information applicants need to provide.
Therefore, it is not uncommon for claims to be denied due to insufficient information or because a claim pertains to a pre-existing condition.
Great-West Life is one of the largest insurance providers in Canada, and they receive thousands of long-term disability claims each year.
Denied insurance claims are common, and there are several reasons why a claim may be rejected. Some of the most common reasons include the following:
1. Not Enough Information
The policyholder did not provide enough information about their disabling condition. It is important to be as detailed as possible when describing your condition and its effects on your ability to work.
Make sure to include all pertinent medical records and documentation.
2. The Condition Does Not Qualify as “Disabling”
The policyholder’s condition is not considered “disabling” under the terms of their policy. Policies vary widely in what they consider a disabling condition.
Some policies exclude certain conditions, such as mental illness or back pain, from coverage. Be sure to review your policy carefully before filing a claim.
3. Eligibility Period Requirement Not Met
The policyholder did not meet the “eligibility period” requirement. Most policies require that claimants be disabled for a certain period before disability income benefits will be paid out.
This period is typically three to six months, but it can vary depending on the policy.
4. Returned to Work Before Approval
The policyholder returned to work before their claim was approved. If you return to work, even on a part-time basis, your claim may be denied.
It is important to consult with your doctor and your insurance company before returning to work after a long-term absence.
5. No Show for Scheduled Medical Appointments
The claimant failed to follow up with their doctor or attend scheduled appointments. Insurance companies will often require claimants to see their doctor regularly to verify that they are still disabled and unable to work.
If you fail to follow up with your doctor or miss scheduled appointments, your claim may be denied.
If you are considering applying for long-term disability benefits, it is important to understand the process and the requirements of your particular policy.
By being informed, and prepared, you can increase your chances of having your claim approved.
If you’ve been denied long-term disability benefits, it’s important to review the denial letter carefully to understand the reason for the denial.
Once you know the reason, you can take steps to correct any errors or gather additional documentation to support your appeal. If you need help with your appeal, contact an experienced disability attorney for assistance.
Need More Information?
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. Our team is more than happy to help!