Question
Can Lincoln deny my because of my prior cancer diagnosis?
I applied for short term disability insurance with my employer who uses Lincoln Financial about a month ago during our open enrollment period. I believe I was denied because of my prior cancer diagnosis, I had leukemia that was diagnosed in July 2011 and received a stem cell transplant in October 2011, I have been in remission since then. I have also tried to apply for the STD a couple years ago, but I figured I was denied because it had only been 5 years since my cancer diagnosis. I thought maybe since it was 7 years since my cancer diagnosis I may get approved. I have a surgery coming up in 2 weeks and now I will not get short term disability, and will have to use up all my PTO which is only about 2 weeks worth and will need to be off work for 6-8 weeks. Can they deny me because of my prior cancer diagnosis?
Answer
Marla, the carrier is entitled to deny coverage based on their assessment of your medical underwriting. Although in some cases the carrier may simply exclude coverage for a specific condition (e.g., history of cancer) and provide coverage for any other subsequently disabling condition, some do deny coverage entirely.
