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Academic careers in higher education demand a high level of commitment, expertise, and dedication to research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities. The unpredictable nature of disabilities can have a profound impact on the trajectory of academic careers, making long-term disability insurance a vital safety net for individuals in this field.
Disabilities can manifest in various forms, ranging from physical impairments to mental health conditions. In higher education, disabilities can pose challenges such as limited mobility, chronic pain, cognitive difficulties, and emotional distress. These challenges can affect an individual’s ability to meet deadlines, engage with students, deliver lectures, or participate in academic activities, ultimately affecting their performance and career progression.
If you are a state-funded college or private university employee, you are likely covered by a disability insurance plan. Disability insurance coverage is available to most professionals in higher education careers, although you must meet certain requirements. For example, typically, you must work a certain number of hours each week and satisfy the elimination period in your policy.
However, meeting the medical requirements to be eligible for long-term disability can be difficult. Insurance companies frequently deny long-term disability claims. Even if they approve your claim initially, they will probably cut off your benefits after two years. If you have received a long-term disability denial, Nick Ortiz and the experienced legal team at Ortiz Law Firm can help you get the benefits you deserve.
Overview of Careers in Higher Education
Working in higher education opens up a diverse range of career opportunities for faculty positions, administration, and student affairs. Below are some of the specific job titles commonly found in this field. These positions have different names at each institution, but this will give a sense of the careers that may have long-term disability insurance coverage.
- Academic Dean
- Adjunct Professor
- Administrator
- Alumni Relations
- Assistant Professor
- Associate Professor
- Athletic Director
- Career Counselor
- Chief Academic Officer
- Chief of Learning Officer
- Curriculum Developer
- Dean of Admissions
- Dean of Education
- Dean of Student Affairs
- Department Chair
- Director of Academic Advising
- Director of Alumni Relations
- Director of Career Services
- Director of Student Financial Aid
- Education Consultant
- Executive
- Fundraising Officer
- President
- Professor
- Provost
- Registrar
- Tenured Professor
- Vice President
Does ERISA Govern Long-Term Disability Claims for College Employees?
ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, governs most employer-sponsored group health and retirement plans. This federal law sets minimum standards for reporting, disclosure, vesting, funding, and fiduciary obligations. It also provides remedies if the insurance company denies or delays your claim improperly. However, ERISA does not typically apply to government or church plans.
Most disability insurance plans sponsored by public universities are not subject to ERISA.
However, private colleges and universities are generally subject to ERISA.
So, whether ERISA governs your long-term disability depends on the specific institution that you work for. At Ortiz Law Firm, we help with both ERISA and non-ERISA long-term disability claims.
Overcoming Long-Term Disability Denials
Facing a denial of a long-term disability claim can be disheartening, especially for professionals in higher education. Let’s delve into some common reasons disability insurance companies deny long-term disability (LTD) claims and how individuals can overcome these challenges.
Insufficient Medical Evidence
One primary reason for LTD claim denials is the lack of substantial medical evidence to support the disability claim. Insurance companies typically require thorough documentation from healthcare providers to validate the need for long-term disability benefits. To improve the chances of approval, gather detailed medical records, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and prognosis statements from healthcare professionals to substantiate the claim.
Pre-existing Condition Exclusions
Another obstacle that professionals in higher education may face is the exclusion of pre-existing conditions. Insurance providers may deny LTD claims if the insurance company deems your disability to be related to a pre-existing medical condition. To address this issue, individuals should carefully review their policy terms to understand the definition of pre-existing conditions. Seeking legal advice from a disability attorney can help you navigate this complex issue and present a strong case on appeal.
Changes to Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for long-term disability benefits may change after an individual receives benefits for a certain period, typically two years. These changes can lead to claim denials if you do not fully understand the terms of your policy. Consulting with legal experts specializing in disability claims can provide guidance on how to adapt to new requirements and help you recover the benefits you deserve.
National Disability Attorney Nick Ortiz Can Help You Appeal a Long-Term Disability Denial
Nick Ortiz, a national disability attorney, dedicates his practice to helping individuals navigate the complexities of appealing a denial for long-term disability benefits. Through his expertise and deep understanding of disability law, Nick has successfully guided many clients toward a favorable appeal outcome. Here’s how Nick Ortiz can help you appeal a long-term disability denial:
- Understanding Your Denial: Nick Ortiz begins by thoroughly reviewing the details of your long-term disability denial to understand the grounds on which the denial was based. With his keen insight into disability law, Nick can identify any discrepancies or issues that may have led to the denial of your claim.
- Stacking the Record with Evidence: Nick Ortiz employs a tailored approach to build a thorough appeal for your long-term disability denial. By gathering all relevant medical evidence, documentation, and witness statements, Nick ensures that your appeal presents a comprehensive and persuasive case for overturning the denial.
- Representing You in Appeals and Litigation: Nick Ortiz provides expert representation at all stages of appealing a denial, including handling communication with insurance companies, responding to new medical or vocational evidence, and fighting in court to secure the benefits you deserve.
Call Us Today for a Free Case Review
With Nick Ortiz on your side, every aspect of your long-term disability appeal is meticulously prepared and presented to maximize your chances of success. Nick’s dedication to his clients and unwavering commitment to achieving positive outcomes make him a trusted advocate in disability law. You can get a free case review by contacting us online or calling (888) 321-8131.