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Academic careers in higher education require 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 an academic career, making long-term disability insurance an essential safety net for individuals in this field.
Disabilities can take many forms, from physical impairments to mental health conditions. In higher education, disabilities can present challenges such as limited mobility, chronic pain, cognitive difficulties, and emotional distress. These challenges can affect an individual’s ability to meet deadlines, interact with students, deliver lectures, or participate in academic activities, ultimately affecting their performance and career advancement.
If you are an employee of a public or private college or university, you are probably covered by a disability insurance plan. Disability insurance coverage is available to most higher education professionals, although you must meet certain requirements. For example, you typically must work a certain number of hours each week and meet the elimination period in your policy.
However, meeting the medical requirements to qualify for long-term disability can be difficult. Insurance companies often deny long-term disability claims. Even if they initially approve your claim, they will likely cut off your benefits after two years. If you have received a long-term disability denial, Nick Ortiz and the experienced legal team at the Ortiz Law Firm can help you get the benefits you deserve.
Higher Education Careers Overview
Working in higher education opens up a wide range of career opportunities for faculty positions, administration, and student affairs. Below are some of the specific job titles commonly found in the 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 pension plans. This federal law sets minimum standards for reporting, disclosure, vesting, funding, and fiduciary obligations. It also provides remedies if the insurance company improperly denies or delays your claim improperly. However, ERISA generally does not 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 covered by ERISA. So, whether ERISA applies to your long-term disability depends on the specific institution that you work for. At the 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 higher education professionals. Let’s look at some common reasons disability insurance companies deny long-term disability (LTD) claims and how individuals can overcome these challenges.
Insufficient Medical Evidence
A 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 medical 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 prognoses from medical professionals to support the claim.
Pre-existing Condition Exclusions
Another obstacle higher education professionals may face is pre-existing condition exclusions. Insurance providers may deny LTD claims if the insurance company believes your disability is 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 in Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements for long-term disability benefits can change after an individual has received benefits for a certain period of time, 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 who specialize 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 of long-term disability benefits. Through his expertise and deep understanding of disability law, Nick has successfully guided many clients to 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 in order 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 takes a customized approach to building a thorough appeal of your long-term disability denial. By gathering all relevant medical evidence, documentation, and witness testimony, Nick ensures that your appeal presents a comprehensive and compelling case for overturning the denial.
- Appeals and Litigation Representation: Nick Ortiz provides expert representation in all phases of appealing a denial, including communicating 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 will be carefully 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 receive a free case review by contacting us online or by calling (888) 321-8131.