A Guide To The Metlife Long-Term Disability Appeal Process
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, popularly known as MetLife, is considered one of the largest in the world in terms of insurance companies. MetLife came into existence in the year 1868 and is known to provide insurance, employee benefits, and annuities to more than 90 million customers across the world.
There are many benefits when you are insured with MetLife’s long-term disability plan. Foremost among these benefits, here is an opportunity to receive 60% of your total income in the insurance payments in the case of a disability.
However, the process of actually getting the benefits can be quite complicated. Some claimants find it difficult to apply for the insurance claim. Often, the first request for disability benefits gets denied.
However, there is a MetLife appeal process in which there is one more chance for you to file a claim. Further, you need to take the right steps to make your appeal process easier. You can call Metlife Disability phone number 1-800-300-4296 for any queries.
What Are The Reasons That Metlife May Have Denied Your Claim?
Suppose, MetLife has denied you the disability benefits under your policy. In this situation you will receive an email or letter notifying you of the denial. The communique will specify why you have been denied the benefits or why they have been terminated.
There may be specific reasons why your claim has been rejected by MetLife. Some of the reasons are discussed as follows:
- If you do not meet all the requirements of disability as mentioned by MetLife, your benefits may be rejected. You must satisfy the disability definition for your claim to prevail. There may be some particular requirements that may be confusing. However, when filling out the MetLife appeal form you must be careful to answer every question completely and correctly.
- There are strict deadlines set for the long-term disability appeal process. In case you miss the deadlines, you will be losing your chance of getting the benefits. You must make it a point to submit all the forms, documents, and evidence on time. Failing to do so may leave you disappointed by a denial. Many MetLife long Term disability complaints stem from these denials.
- All medical evidence to prove that you are disabled must be submitted. If you fail to submit any of the required medical documents, you will receive a MetLife denial. Filing MetLife disability claims may require further examinations by medical professionals or other experts.
- Insurance companies like MetLife have a right to keep a check on applicants through video surveillance. In some situations MetLife has an investigator watch your comings and goings for a number of days to verify that your health condition is as you claim. If an investigator discovers that you are actually going to tennis lessons when you are claiming an inability to walk, you can expect your claim to be denied.
For How Long Do MetLife Programs Last?
In MetLife disability plans, it is the employer who needs to choose for how many years they want to avail themselves of the benefits. The disability benefits can last for 2 years or 5 years. Alternatively, some programs may last until the claimant reaches the ages of 50 or 65 years.
MetLife also offers some additional benefits such as Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits are provided to those people who have a disability lasting for 12 months or more. SSD benefits are not temporary. People must study special grid rules to know how they satisfy the eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Steps to follow when your MetLife long-term disability appeal gets denied
To file an appeal, it is important to learn from the mistakes made in the previous claim. You should review the reasons for denial and collect strong evidence to back up your claims. This might increase your chances of getting the benefits. However, the appeal may be your last chance. Therefore, you must collect as much additional evidence that is possible.
Some of the steps that must be taken to avoid rejections are as follows:
- You must correct all the mistakes that you did in the previous claim process. Filing the form must be done with accuracy and timeliness.
- The healthcare professional that you are consulting must be able to give you all the check-up reports and other documents required. This will strengthen your insurance claim. Medical records are key to any successful claim.
- You must also
- gather evidence from families and friends. Their opinion matters provided they are honest and transparent with their feedback. Their statements will be proof of your Metlife disability insurance that must be specified in a detailed form. They can even share their perspective via written testimonials.
- During the assessment of your claim, MetLife may investigate your claim. They may hire investigators to check whether you are true to your words or not. If you are honest, it will strengthen your claim.
It may be a difficult process to handle the complexities involved in the appeal process. Therefore, you need a disability attorney to handle the legalities and other paperwork.
Experience and expertise in representing these types of cases may make your claim process easier. Legal guidance may prove to be useful for your case.