Ameritas Long-Term Disability Denials

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

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 wrongfully terminated. It is not unusual for a claimant to receive at least one denial at some point. Ortiz Law Firm helps claimants fight back against Ameritas long-term disability denials.

What Is Ameritas?

Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. is a mutual insurance company that has been around 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 entities 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 policies. Union Central was known to market 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 your claim reviewed by an “independent” physician. This means that your medical records were sent to one of their doctors, and based upon that doctor’s opinions, the insurance company says they think you could go back to work;
2. Ameritas ordered a vocational analysis of your claim. This means that they’ve sent your file to one of their job experts, and their job expert says that you can return to work in some capacity;
3. Ameritas says there is just insufficient medical evidence. They may say, “we don’t think that the evidence in your medical records shows that you cannot perform your job.” It may not be clear what evidence the insurer requires from the claimant.
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 typically occurs after 24 months. Ameritas may review your claim during this transition. They may determine that you can do 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 proceed through the appeal process without an attorney.

Appealing a Long-Term Disability Denial from Ameritas

Although it has been 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, and claimants are left without the financial support they thought they could depend 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 cost of medical treatment for your disabling condition.

If your Ameritas disability claim has been denied or terminated, you may wonder whether you should file your own appeal 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 represented 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 governs your claim, you must exhaust your administrative appeals before filing a lawsuit. The administrative appeal process is not mandatory if ERISA does not govern your claim. However, submitting an optional appeal may be in your best interest. We help claimants with appeals and will file a lawsuit if necessary.

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

Filing a successful disability claim can be stressful, challenging, and downright overwhelming. If you are attempting 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 start your application, you can click here to contact Ameritas regarding filing a long-term disability claim, call the number below, or send written correspondence to the business 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

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

You should contact us if your claim was denied from the initial application or you received a benefit cessation letter, meaning your benefits are being “cut off” or terminated. We are experts in disability law, and the experience we have gained while helping past clients fight insurance companies such as 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 time to dispute a denial, so call us today to get started.