Question
Is it normal for LFG to take nearly 3 months to process a claim?
I have been out of work nearly 6 months now due to several illnesses/surgeries. I have LTD with Lincoln and after the 90 day waiting period I submitted my claim on oct 16. It is now Jan 3rd and my claim has just went to the reviewers earlier this week. The claims specialist sent a request to the hospital and the 4 doctors I’ve been seeing back in Oct but she filled out the requests incorrectly which has caused an extensive delay in receiving the records they need to review my case. LFG received an invoice to pay for the records but didn’t make the payment for 20 days which also caused part of this delay. So now it’s been 79 days and still no decision on my claim. I call daily to check the status and as of yesterday I was informed that a letter had been mailed earlier this week stating they are checking to see if I had a pre-existing condition! At the time I got sick I had not been to a doctor for several years because I was in good health. I feel like all they’re doing is trying to stall until I’m able to go back to work then deny my claim anyway. Is it normal for LFG to take nearly 3 months to process a claim? They need to be exposed!
Answer
Kathy, Lincoln is certainly stalling review of the claim. However, I would caution you that under most policies, it is the duty of the insured to provide proof of disability, which means it is ultimately your obligation to provide medical records to the insurance company. As such, I would make sure that you provide any and all medical records from any doctor who has treated you for your condition to them. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office to see how we may be able to assist you.
