Colonial Life Disability Insurance: What You Need To Know

Colonial Life is an insurance company that offers disability insurance to employers and individuals across the U.S. Disability insurance is meant to help employees pay their bills if they are unable to work due to an injury or illness. Colonial Life offers group disability insurance plans, which are covered by ERISA, and individual disability insurance policies to supplement employer-provided policies. The company provides financial protection for employees and helps employers attract and retain skilled workers.

Short-term disability insurance

Colonial Life's short-term disability insurance provides financial support and income protection for employees who are unable to work due to illness, injury, or other common conditions. This insurance ensures that employees can maintain their livelihood and lifestyle by covering everyday expenses during their recovery.

Colonial Life's short-term disability insurance is customizable to meet the needs of both employees and employers. Employees can choose the appropriate benefit amount and specify the elimination period, which is the waiting time before benefits commence. Additionally, some policies are portable, allowing employees to retain their coverage even if they change jobs.

This type of insurance is particularly valuable for employers as it helps attract and retain skilled workers. It also assists in managing the costs associated with employee leave and provides peace of mind for both parties. By offering short-term disability insurance, employers demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of their workforce, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes health and recovery.

Overall, Colonial Life's short-term disability insurance is a valuable tool for employees and employers alike, offering financial security and peace of mind during challenging times. By providing income protection and customizable benefits, this insurance helps individuals maintain their standard of living while they focus on their health and eventual return to work.

Income protection

Colonial Life's disability insurance is designed to fill a gap in traditional insurance coverage. While individuals typically insure their homes, cars, and health, they often overlook insuring their income, which is crucial for paying bills and everyday expenses. The company's disability insurance provides this financial safety net, safeguarding individuals from the unexpected.

The insurance covers a range of common illnesses and conditions, including pregnancy and childbirth, back and joint disorders, accidents and fractures, and heart attacks and strokes. It offers short-term disability benefits, providing financial support for up to two years, and optional provisions for psychiatric, psychological, and hospital admission costs. Individuals can choose the benefit amount that meets their needs, with monthly payments made directly to them and usable for any expenses they choose.

Colonial Life's disability insurance is also beneficial for employers. It helps attract and retain skilled workers, controls the rising cost of medical insurance, and reduces administrative burdens. Employers can offer a sound benefits package without incurring additional expenses, and employees gain peace of mind and financial security during difficult times.

The company's disability insurance plans include group plans, covered by ERISA, and individual plans, which are portable and remain with the policyholder even if they change jobs. The benefit periods and elimination periods (the time between being deemed unable to work and receiving benefits) are customizable, and benefits are typically paid on a monthly or weekly basis.

Financial safety net

Colonial Life's disability insurance provides a financial safety net for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. It offers income protection to help employees maintain their livelihood and lifestyle, ensuring they can continue to pay their bills and everyday expenses. This includes rent, house payments, car payments, utilities, credit card bills, and travel expenses.

Disability insurance is a valuable addition to an employee benefits package, providing peace of mind for employees and their families. It allows them to focus on their health and recovery without the added stress of financial worries. This type of insurance is especially important as many people may forgo it, assuming they will not need it. However, disabilities can be caused by common illnesses or conditions, such as pregnancy and childbirth, back and joint disorders, accidents and fractures, and heart attacks and strokes.

Colonial Life's disability insurance is designed to be flexible and customizable. Employees can choose the benefit amount and elimination period that best meets their needs. Some policies are also portable, allowing employees to keep their coverage even if they change jobs. This feature ensures that employees don't lose their insurance protection when transitioning between jobs.

The company offers group disability insurance plans, covered by ERISA, and individual disability insurance policies to supplement employer-provided coverage. While Colonial Life does not currently offer long-term disability insurance, it provides options for short-term disability benefits, including financial support for up to two years during recovery.

Colonial Life has been in the business for over 75 years, serving America's workers and providing financial protection benefits. Their disability insurance is a valuable tool to safeguard employees' financial well-being during difficult times.

Employee retention

Colonial Life's disability insurance is a valuable tool for employee retention. Here are some ways it can help employers retain skilled workers:

Financial Protection

Colonial Life's disability insurance provides financial protection for employees, helping to control the rising costs of medical insurance. When an employee becomes disabled and is unable to work, they often struggle to pay everyday expenses, putting a strain on their family. Disability insurance provides income protection, ensuring employees can maintain their livelihood and lifestyle. This financial safety net allows employees to focus on their health and recovery, rather than worrying about bills.

Peace of Mind

Disability insurance offers peace of mind to employees, knowing that they have financial support if they are unable to work due to an illness, injury, or accident. This peace of mind can improve employee satisfaction and reduce anxiety, leading to higher retention rates.

Customizable Benefits

Colonial Life allows employees to customize their disability benefit amount and elimination period to meet their unique needs. This flexibility ensures that employees feel valued and appreciated, knowing that their employer is invested in their well-being.

Portable Policies

Colonial Life's individual disability insurance policies are portable, meaning employees can keep their coverage even if they change jobs. This feature adds value to the employee experience and can be a significant factor in retaining talented individuals who may consider career changes.

Voluntary Benefits

Colonial Life offers voluntary benefits, also known as supplemental insurance. These benefits are often paid by the employee and provide additional protection for out-of-pocket expenses. By offering voluntary benefits, employers can enhance their benefits package without increasing company expenses. Voluntary benefits can be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining employees, as they provide flexibility and customization options for employees to choose what best suits their needs.

Simplified Administration

Colonial Life simplifies the benefits administration process for employers. Their multiple enrollment options, including in-person, virtual, telephonic, and online self-service, make it convenient for employees to enroll and make informed decisions. Additionally, Colonial Life's focus on benefits education ensures that employees understand their benefits and can maximize their value.

Appealing a denial

Colonial Life offers disability insurance to supplement employer-provided disability insurance policies. However, Colonial Life denies many disability claims when it first receives them. If your claim is denied, you will receive a notice of denial by mail, which will include the reasons for denial and instructions on how to appeal the decision.

Understand the reasons for denial

Review the notice of denial carefully to understand the specific reasons why your claim was denied. Common reasons for denial of disability claims include:

• Alleged pre-existing conditions
• Lack of medical evidence to support the claim
• Misrepresentation of job duties
• Surveillance footage that contradicts claimed restrictions
• Incomplete or missing medical records

Seek legal assistance

Consider seeking legal assistance from a qualified attorney who has experience with disability insurance claims and appeals. An attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the appeals process, and develop a strong appeal strategy. They can also help you identify any bad faith tactics that may have been employed by the insurance company, such as misrepresenting your job duties or unfairly denying your claim based on pre-existing conditions.

Gather supporting documentation

Work with your attorney to gather any additional medical examinations, records, or evaluations by occupational, vocational, or financial experts that can support your claim. This will help strengthen your appeal and address any specific concerns raised by Colonial Life in their denial letter.

Meet appeal deadlines

Pay close attention to the deadlines provided by Colonial Life for filing your appeal. These deadlines are typically strict, and failing to meet them may result in the loss of your ability to recover benefits.

File an insurance bad faith lawsuit

If you have exhausted all appeal procedures and Colonial Life still denies your valid claim, you may have the option to file an insurance bad faith lawsuit. This can be a complex process, and it is important to have a qualified attorney on your side who understands the legal landscape and can effectively represent your rights.

Frequently asked questions