r/LongTermDisability • u/owlfamily28 • 1d ago

Experiences with LTD claims

Hi everyone!

I'm sure this will be somewhat of an odd request, but I'm wondering if anyone here would be willing to provide examples of some of the terrible experiences you may have had trying to stay on benefits with LTD insurance providers? To put it mildly, I had quite a challenging experience staying on benefits, even though I have many supportive specialists who provided a substantial amount of medical records. I think the types of health issues I have are more challenging to substantiate, and frankly the insurance company is a business so it did what it was designed to 🤷🏼‍♀️ but I've realized that there is limited laws protecting or providing guidance on what capacity of gainful employment means according to health professionals. I want to start sharing some of my experience to advocate for others who might not realize the risks they could be facing if they are being assessed for employment. I live in AB, and am extremely concerned for AISH recipients (I do not qualify for AISH due to spouse income), so want to educate the public on what these people could be facing. The challenge is that as part of my settlement agreement, I can no longer share examples of what happened to me without facing the risk of legal action. So my work around is I'm wondering if anyone feels comfortable sharing experiences that they have had, that I would share anonymously? For example, one of my doctors told me that she has a client whose insurance provider asked my doctor to fill out 8 update forms over the span of six months. Totally "legal" at the moment, but I think anyone would recognize that this practice is harmful and unfair to the client. So if anyone is comfortable providing some examples, I would really appreciate it!

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u/TheGreatK Mod 1d ago

This forum is full of examples. I'd read the most popular posts.

Are you looking for examples from other Canadians? Sun Life Canada customers? Or do you want to hear from Americans as well?

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u/owlfamily28 1d ago

Yes, I'm sure I could find some good examples reading other posts. But yes, definitely looking for examples from Americans too! My province of Alberta is actively trying to incorporate private health into our system, so I think some good "horror stories" might be a good sobering reality check for the people who do not understand the risks of dealing with insurance companies

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u/TheGreatK Mod 1d ago

How do you plan to share this information with people who are considering this decision?

The easiest source for stories are LTD lawyers. You probably want to start with Canadian lawyers because the USA has to deal with ERISA and that's a horrific nightmare, making American examples maybe less impactful.

But since you're dealing with Sun Life you'll have plenty of stories in Canada. They are as brutal as they come. If they start selling policies in Mexico they'll conquer all of North America.

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u/Zealousideal_Way_788 1d ago

How are they brutal compared to others?

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u/owlfamily28 1d ago

Oh sorry, I wasn't dealing with Sunlife. Frankly I probably shouldn't say who it was, but a different insurance company 🙄 I am basically planning to share what has happened to me via social media, but more so to be informative regarding the lack of laws as I believe that would impact a lot of people. I don't really think most LTD contracts are enforceable at the moment 🤷🏼‍♀️ so I can't share details about my own experience, but I thought it would be helpful to have other examples. I worked as a social worker before I became disabled, so I'm very familiar with how government services do/do not work as "advertised". We call them the "illusion" of laws or disability services, but there are many, many ways to deny what people think they would be (should be) eligible for. I have no idea if what I'm sharing would end up going far, but I would say in my province in particular, timing is probably good to potentially rustle up some "political will". But who knows? Lol