New York Life

New York Life thought I wasn't physically impaired when I was on BED REST

Reviewed by Kayla on September 6th 2017   Verified Policyholder
I was hospitalized for preterm delivery at 28 weeks. The doctor told me I would be on bedrest until I deliver. Since I was hospitalized they approved my STD claim July 19-Aug 1st. After that they requested medical notes for my STD to continue. On my paycheck I noticed that I didn’t have STD that I was using my PTO. I called and they told me they had the wrong notes. They did not contact me or the doctors office regarding they didn’t have the correct information. I followed up a week later and they said they still didn’t have the correct information and I was getting pretty upset by their lack of communication at this point. One of the girls that I was speaking to said she would call my dr’s office directly and she called me back and said they know what information they need to send. My claims manager Kim who has never reached out to me finally called me and said they have what they need and are sending it for medical review. I thought we were on the right track. I have called every day for 2 weeks. I get the same run around every time I call that they don’t have the correct notes, I keep requesting to talk to supervisors and I have to leave a message and they fail to call me back. I have been told that the Dr note said I am on bedrest till Sept 17th and for some reason that wasn’t good enough? I have been told that on my file a note stated from the medical review it stated that “does not demonstrate physical impairment.” My bedrest consist of me being able to go from bed to couch and a 5 min shower. I cannot leave my house, take stairs, do dishes, or laundry. I am a prisoner in my own home and am not getting paid like I should be. I have paid them on time and am still paying for STD and would expect that back when it is needed. I work in the health care industry and have had the same job for 11 years. I am a hard worker and love what I do. I cannot believe how I have been treated and the run around I am getting from New York Life. I feel like I am at a loss at this point and not sure what to do. I need to pay bills and live. How do I do that without a paycheck?
Reply
Sent on September 6th 2017 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Kayla, please feel free to contact our office to discuss your claim. Also, it is not uncommon that PTO, sick leave, vacation have to be used prior to payment of any STD benefit. If you have a copy of your STD policy it would clarify how the benefit would be paid.