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Question

How do I access a copy of my STD policy with Reliance Standard?

Asked on March 26th 2019 by Vicki R.
I have Standard through my employer as a benefit. I have been on short term disability since 4/23/2018, it is has been a very traumatic experience to fight these people I could write 100 plus pages about how horrible the claims administrator Matrix/Tokio Marine has been, difficult does not even come close. But, I persevered and provided the medical records, but they always delayed sending the “ticket” to my employer so my paychecks we’re always late. My BIG concern now is the “expiration or max benefit under STD, they sent a letter regarding long term disability and included language pointing out “own occupation” versus “any occupation and tel me to refer to group policy regarding specifics, but I am not working haven’t been working who is responsible for providing me a copy of which they refer to? My employer or standard? The also included forms one called employment and education information and employment history going back 15 years. My H.R. dept. says policy is not governed by ERISA, do I should I have an attorney help me fill these forms out, from here on out turn it over and stop stressing over this, it makes a bad situation worse. Medical conditions are disc herniation spinal stenosis joint narrowing, degenerative disc neck back, plus.

Answer

Answered on March 26th 2019 by Attorney Alex Palamara

Vicki, I am sorry to hear the trouble you are having with the Standard. It seems they are certainly make things more difficult for you. Typically HR at your former employer should be able to email you a copy of the LTD policy in PDF Format. If they don’t or wont, simply ask them why not and that they should since you were a covered person under the policy. As your claim is so new, I wouldn’t be overly concerned with the “own” occupation versus the “any” occupation standard. On most LTD policies, for the first 24 months of benefits to be approved, you must prove to the Standard that you are unable to perform the duties of your own occupation. After the initial 24 months (sometimes 12 months, sometimes 18 months, sometimes longer), in order to continue to receive benefits, you will need to prove that you are unable to perform the duties of any occupation for which you are qualified based on your training, education and experience. It is typically more difficult to qualify after this “change in definition.” I am curious to review your policy to see why your employer thinks its not governed by ERISA. Please contact me so that we can discuss your claim. I will gladly review the policy and the forms they wish for you to complete and we can discuss potential representation.

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