Getting a diagnosis of Coronavirus can be scary. While some people have minimal symptoms, many across the nation have fallen seriously ill or even passed away. If you have been diagnosed with Coronavirus, you may be concerned about whether your disability insurance company will pay you benefits during this difficult time. The answer is, it depends.
Insurance companies are legally required to pay your disability benefits if you meet the definition of disability in the insurance contract. If you are diagnosed with Coronavirus, meet the definition of disability in the policy, and remain disabled during the waiting period under the contract, then the insurance company is obligated to pay you disability benefits.
Many disability insurance companies are taking the position, however, that you do not qualify for benefits if you are not otherwise disabled but simply are:
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Quarantined due to Coronavirus;
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Furloughed due to Coronavirus;
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Unable to work due to concerns about risk of exposure to Coronavirus.
If you have an underlying medical condition that prevents you from performing your job duties because of your unnecessary medical risk of exposure to Coronavirus, you likely meet the definition of disability. Finally, most disability insurance policies do not have pandemic-specific exclusions. These provisions exclude payment of benefits during a pandemic. It is best, however, to have a long-term disability attorney review your particular disability insurance contract to be sure.
Our Experienced Disability Attorneys Are Monitoring the Situation
We have been working diligently to ensure our client’s long term disability benefits are not affected by the coronavirus pandemic. We are also making sure disability claims are being processed and reviewed by insurance companies. We have implemented some measures to ensure our office runs as it normally does while following all state and federal regulations, including:
- Being in contact with insurance companies to confirm they are still working and reviewing disability claims and appeals;
- Working remotely, with staff in the office to answer phone calls from insurers and clients;
- Responding to intakes in our usual timely manner to determine if we can help.
Our first priority is representing the disabled against private insurance companies. We understand that our clients rely on their monthly disability benefits to survive. We will continue to remain in contact with the insurance companies and address any issues that arise as a result of the coronavirus.
If you have questions or concerns about your long term disability insurance benefits, you can contact one of the experienced attorneys in our firm. We will be happy to discuss your claim and the impact the coronavirus may have on it.
