New York Life

Never in my life have I been treated with such disrespect

Reviewed by Rita on November 18th 2015   Verified Policyholder
I recently had surgery on 10/30/2015 and the first 5 days was required to use my vacation time, then I would be on short term disability. I called New York Life and was given a a case # for FMLA but not the STD portion until the 3rd phone call because it takes 20 minutes o generate a case number. Surgery had to be rescheduled so I called New York Life and let them know. Had the surgery and called New York Life to check on the claim because pay day was coming up and I did not know if New York Life or employer would pay me. I was told that the claim had just been received and would not be processed for 48 to 72 hours. Checked their website the following Monday, showed in process, check again on Wednesday and it showed approved for only 10 days and I was in the middle of my 3rd week of recuperation. Called the case manager who was very rude and short with me. She asked me a deceiving question, “when did your doctor tell you to go back to work?” Not knowing that this woman would take my response and use it against me and being honest, I just said when I feel like it. She let me have it then and told me that because I had a polyp removed, New York Life only allows 2 weeks of STD. I informed her that I had more than that removed, in fact, the whole right side of my colon was removed and my intestines were re-done. New York Life is very misleading and made me feel as if I had done something wrong. I was never informed that I would only be eligible for 2 weeks of STD until I was well into my 3rd week of recuperation. It appears I am basically screwed and will be out a week’s pay either way. When I asked her why New York Life did not bother to inform me of the amount of STD I was eligible for the type of surgery I had which is only 2 weeks, she really got angry with me then. She also said she left me a message on my cell phone however, there are no missed calls or voice message because my voice mail stays full all of the time and she acted like I was the one who was lying. Never in my life have I been treated with such disrespect and made to feel like I was scum. She told me the only way they would pay is if my doctor had to see me again. Well, my doctor just might have to see me again.
Reply
Sent on November 18th 2015 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Rita, have you received the formal denial letter? Have you appealed? If not, please feel free to contact your office to review the denial letter and discuss your rights.