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Question

Am I required to sign over permission for the insurance company to view my records?

Asked on January 13th 2026 by Charlene

1) Am I required to sign over permission for the insurance company to view my records for psychotherapy or non-health related documents? 2) Why am I asked for new information regarding my disability diagnosis from work?

I am a retired teacher. I was eligible to retire with disability in January 2025. Many years before my retirement, I purchased a Disability plan through my employer, in the event I was injured and could no longer work in my field. I was a PE teacher and Coach for 25 years—a very physically demanding position. I was awarded disability status from TRS when I retired, but the insurance company continues to ask for more or new information on the diagnosis. My monthly benefit was down-graded last year when I stopped receiving my "school pay" and started my "pension pay". Obviously, my monthly pension pay is less than what I was making as a working wage, teaching. I appealed that decision, and lost, because as I understood, the monthly benefit would be 60% of my working wage. I was informed that somewhere in the fine print, the insurance company CAN lower your benefit if your pay scale changes(including your pension as PAY). My original injury was from an achilles tendon repair that became infected with staph. I was very ill and completed three surgeries to repair the injury and clean out of the infection. As a result, I have very poor movement in that foot and extensive nerve damage. This allowed me to retire with disability. I have rehabbed that injury and moved on, but the disabling features remain. The time I spent being non-weight-bearing from that injury (6 months) led to severe osteoarthritis damage to my opposite hip. I have a back injury that I have never recovered from (occurred at school) that gives me constant pain and requires injections to provide some relief. These other medical issues are preventing me from working any position, let alone attempting to go back to education.

Answer

Answered on January 13th 2026 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia

This can be a challenging situation. Generally, if your mental health is part of your disability claim then you may be required to provide the insurer with those records as part of "proof of loss". You must provide the disability insurer with the records and information necessary to assess your claim.

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