Experienced Disability Lawyers For The Standard Insurance Company In Ohio
In Ohio, while the state does not mandate short-term disability insurance (unlike states like New York or California), many employers choose to provide both short-term and long-term disability coverage as part of a comprehensive benefits package. The Standard Insurance Company is a leading provider of such coverage, but this means that they are also a leading provider of claim denials. If you have been denied a claim, contact The Standard Company Disability Attorney in Ohio to speak with someone who can help.
Disability Insurance in Ohio
Ohio does not have a state-sponsored disability insurance program for non-work-related injuries or illnesses. This means that any short-term or long-term disability insurance coverage is typically provided through private insurance companies, like The Standard, or through voluntary employer-sponsored benefits. While employers are not legally required to offer this coverage, many opt to do so in order to attract and retain talent, especially in competitive industries.
Types of Disability Insurance Offered by The Standard
The Standard Insurance Company provides both short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) insurance, giving employers the ability to offer their employees protection for both short and long periods of inability to work. Here’s a breakdown of both types of policies and how they work below.
Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance
Short-term disability insurance is designed to cover employees who are temporarily unable to work due to illness, injury, or other medical conditions (such as pregnancy or surgery recovery) that are not related to work. The Standard’s STD policies offer income replacement during the initial period of disability. The Standard Insurance Company attorney in Ohio can help you to understand your plan if you have any questions.
Key Features of The Standard’s Short-Term Disability Insurance:
- Income Replacement: STD policies generally replace between 40% and 70% of an employee’s weekly earnings, depending on the policy selected by the employer.
- Benefit Period: The benefit duration for STD policies usually ranges from 13 to 26 weeks, though this can be customized depending on the employer’s preferences.
- Waiting Period (Elimination Period): Before benefits begin, there is typically a waiting period of 7 to 14 days from the onset of the disability.
- Customizable Options: Employers in Ohio can work with The Standard to tailor STD plans to meet the specific needs of their workforce, offering enhanced benefits or adjusting waiting and benefit periods.
Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
Long-term disability insurance provides income replacement for employees who are unable to return to work for an extended period due to a more serious medical condition or disability. LTD coverage typically begins after STD benefits are exhausted or after a longer elimination period.
Key Features of The Standard’s Long-Term Disability Insurance:
- Income Replacement: LTD plans usually cover 50% to 70% of an employee’s monthly income, providing a more sustained financial safety net for employees who are out of work for a longer period.
- Benefit Duration: The duration of LTD benefits can last for several years, often up to retirement age, depending on the terms of the policy. Some policies may offer benefits for a set number of years (e.g., 2 or 5 years), while others continue until the employee reaches age 65 or the Social Security retirement age.
- Elimination Period: LTD policies typically have an elimination period of 90 to 180 days, during which employees must be continuously disabled before benefits begin. This period usually overlaps with the conclusion of short-term disability benefits.
- Partial Disability Benefits: The Standard offers partial disability benefits, allowing employees to return to work part-time while still receiving a portion of their LTD benefits.
- Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Assistance: The Standard also provides support programs to help employees return to work when medically able, including vocational rehabilitation and job accommodation services.
How to File a Disability Insurance Claim with The Standard in Ohio
If an employee becomes disabled and needs to file a claim under The Standard’s short-term or long-term disability insurance policy, the process is straightforward and involves the following steps:
- Notify Your Employer: As soon as an employee knows they will be unable to work due to a disability, they should inform their employer. This is a critical first step, as the employer will need to provide employment details and verify the employee’s eligibility for coverage.
- Obtain and Complete Claim Forms: The employee will need to complete the appropriate claim forms. These forms can be accessed:
- Through the employer.
- Via The Standard’s online claims portal.
- By contacting The Standard’s customer service team.
- The employee’s physician must also complete a portion of the claim form to verify the medical condition causing the disability.
- Submit the Claim: Completed claim forms can be submitted online or via mail. It is recommended to keep copies of all documents for personal records.
- Claims Review Process: Once submitted, The Standard will review the claim. This process includes confirming the employee’s medical condition, evaluating the nature of the disability, and verifying eligibility. The Standard may request additional medical records or other documentation to support the claim.
- Receive Benefit Payments: If the claim is approved, benefits will be paid according to the policy terms. Payments are typically made by direct deposit or check.
- Follow-Up: The Standard may periodically require updates on the employee’s medical condition. Employees receiving long-term disability benefits may also be offered rehabilitation services to help them transition back to work.
Contact Our The Standard Company Disability Attorney in Ohio Today
For Ohio employers and employees, The Standard’s disability insurance policies offer vital financial protection in the event of a short-term or long-term disability. In the instance that your claim is denied, contact The Standard Company Disability Attorney in Ohio for assistance. Our legal team can help you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.
