Smart Benefits: New Disability Claims Procedure In Effect Today
Monday, April 02, 2018
All ERISA-governed plans are required by Section 503 of ERISA to have claims procedures that provide for a full and fair review of claims. Regulations issued under Section 503 contain detailed direction as to the claims process, including timeframes, notice requirements, notice content, and qualifications for claims reviewers. In 2010, under the Affordable Care Act, claims procedures for group health plans were enhanced significantly, while procedures for disability plans were unchanged. The new rules attempt to align the rules governing disability claims with the requirements applicable to group health plans.
The revised rules now include the following new protections for claimants:
- Disclosure of the basis for disagreeing with a third party. Adverse benefit determinations have to contain a discussion of the decision, including the basis for disagreeing with any disability determination by the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) or the views of any treating physician or vocational professional who evaluated the claimant.
- Right to review and respond with new information before final decision. Prior to a decision on appeal, a plan will be required to provide the claimant, free of charge, any new or additional evidence considered, relied upon, or generated by (or at the direction of) the plan in connection with the claim, as well as any new or additional rationale for a denial. The claimant must then be given a reasonable opportunity to respond to such new or additional evidence or rationale.
- Strict compliance and possible unfavorable standard of review by a court. If a plan fails to strictly adhere to all ERISA procedural requirements when processing a disability claim (except for certain minor errors), this failure may now trigger the claimant’s right to file a lawsuit in court under Section 502(a) of ERISA, even before the plan’s procedures are exhausted. In that case, a court may not give special deference to the plan’s decision, instead using a de novo standard of review that is generally less favorable to the employer.
Related Articles
- Smart Benefits: Five Ways to Use FSA Funds—Before You Lose Them
- Smart Benefits: IRS Updates Guidance on Assessing 2015 Employer Penalties
- Smart Benefits: It’s Time to Review Your Harassment Prevention Policies
- Smart Benefits: Extended OSHA Deadline for 2016 Injury, Illness Reports Less Than a Week Away
- Smart Benefits: Five HR Challenges for 2018
- Smart Benefits: IRS Publishes Final ACA Forms for 2017
- Smart Benefits: Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment - What You Need to Know
- Smart Benefits: Brand Ambassadors Can Yield Big Results
- Smart Benefits: ACA Numbers to Know for 2018
- Smart Benefits: New Benefits & Retirement Plan Limits Set for 2018
- Smart Benefits: Advance Form 5500 Available for 2017
- Smart Benefits: Tips for a Healthy Workplace During Cold & Flu Season
- Smart Benefits: What to Do if You Get a Shared Responsibility Letter
- Smart Benefits: The Rise of AI
- Smart Benefits: How to Ready Your Org for the Gig Economy
- Smart Benefits: What Benefits Do Workers Want? More Financial Education
- Smart Benefits: Imputed Income for Group Term Life Insurance
- Smart Benefits: Penalty Hikes for Workplace Law Violations Announced
- Smart Benefits: What Drives Health Plan Satisfaction?
- Smart Benefits: Should You Boost Benefits in Light of Tax Reform?
- Smart Benefits: Should You Go Voluntary?
- Smart Benefits: Resolve to Help Employees Stick with Resolutions in 2018
- Smart Benefits: Increased Enforcement Means It’s Time to Get I-9s in Order
- Smart Benefits: Harness Happiness for Increased Productivity
- Smart Benefits: Five Steps to Managing Leave
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It