Ameritas Long-Term Disability Denials

What would you do if you were suddenly unable to go to work and didn’t get a paycheck for six months? Or two years? Could you pay your bills on time and cover your usual living expenses? Would you be able to afford the medical care you need? Many people mistakenly believe that these things will never happen to them, but that is not the case. The majority of disabilities are caused by common illnesses, such as back pain, cancer, and even diabetes.

Long-term disability insurance is supposed to serve as a safety net in these situations, but Ameritas will look for any excuse to deny a claim rather than pay it out, even if there is no legitimate reason for the denial. Even those who are initially approved for benefits face an uncertain future, as many disability claims are improperly terminated. It is not uncommon for a claimant to receive at least one denial at some point.

What Is Ameritas?

Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. is a mutual insurance company that has existed in various forms since 1887. The company includes Ameritas Mutual Holding Company, Ameritas Holding Company, and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York. Ameritas and its companies have also been known as Old Line Bankers Life Insurance Company of Nebraska and Acacia.

Ameritas merged with Union Central Life Insurance in 2006 and offered group and individual disability insurance. Union Central was known for marketing several Individual Disability Income policies to physicians, dentists, surgeons, attorneys, executives, and other professionals, and Ameritas continues this insurance coverage.

Reasons the Long-Term Disability Insurance Company May Have Denied Your Claim

There are several reasons why Ameritas may deny a claim:

1. Ameritas had an “independent” doctor review your claim. This means that your medical records were sent to one of their doctors, and based on that doctor’s opinion, the insurance company believes you can return to work;
2. Ameritas ordered a vocational analysis of your claim. That means that they’ve sent your file to one of their vocational experts, and their vocational expert says that you can return to work in some capacity;
3. Ameritas says there is just not enough medical evidence. They may say, “We don’t think that the evidence in your medical records shows that you can’t do your job.” It may not be clear what evidence the insurer is asking the claimant to provide.
4. There’s a change in the definition of disability. Most disability insurance policies have two definitions of disability, one for the “own occupation” period and one for the “any occupation” period. The change in definition usually occurs after 24 months. Ameritas may review your claim during this transition. They may determine that you can perform other work and are no longer disabled.

If you filed your claim on your own and Ameritas has denied your claim, it is strongly recommended that you do not go through the appeals process without an attorney.

Appealing an Ameritas Long-Term Disability Denial

Despite being recognized as one of the best individual disability insurance companies, Ameritas has a history of denying disability benefits. It happens all too often. Legitimate claims are denied, leaving claimants without the financial support they thought they could count on. Despite paying your premiums for months, maybe even years, you may be left scrambling to figure out how to afford your regular living expenses and the added costs of medical treatment for your disability.

If your Ameritas disability claim has been denied or terminated, you may be wondering whether you should appeal on your own or hire an attorney. Many individuals with a disability insurance policy need to hire an experienced disability attorney to fight for the disability benefits they deserve. Nick A. Ortiz, the founder of the Ortiz Law Firm, has been representing individuals in disability insurance claims since 2005. Our legal team has the skill and insight to help you address all the most common reasons long-term disability claims are denied.

Can I File a Lawsuit Against Ameritas?

If ERISA law applies to your claim, you must exhaust your administrative remedies before filing a lawsuit. The administrative appeal process is not mandatory if ERISA does not apply to your claim. However, filing an optional appeal may be in your best interest. We assist claimants with appeals and will file a lawsuit if necessary.

I Haven’t Filed a Disability Claim Yet. How Do I Get Started?

Filing a successful disability claim can be stressful, challenging, and downright overwhelming. If you are trying to obtain disability insurance benefits under a policy offered by Ameritas, you should review our guide to applying for long-term disability benefits.

Once you are ready to begin your application, you can contact Ameritas regarding filing a long-term disability claim by clicking here, calling the number below, or sending written correspondence to the company by fax or mail using the information below:

Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.
5900 O Street
P.O. Box 81889
Lincoln, NE 68501-1889
Phone: 800-745-1112
Fax: 402-467-7335

The Ortiz Law Firm Provides Aggressive Representation for Claimants Fighting Ameritas Long-Term Disability Denials

You should contact us if your claim has been denied on initial application or you have received a benefit cessation letter, which means your benefits are being “cut off” or terminated. We are experts in disability law, and our experience helping past clients fight insurance companies like Ameritas has given our team great insight into the best steps to take to improve your chances of recovering benefits.

Call (888) 321-8131 to schedule a free case review with an experienced disability attorney to discuss your claim and learn how our law firm can help you fight your Ameritas disability denial. Mr. Ortiz is an experienced disability attorney who has recovered millions in benefits for his clients. You only have a limited amount of time to appeal a denial, so call us today to get started.