CIGNA / LINA is one of more than 40 nationwide insurance companies that offer long-term group disability insurance. It is one of the largest writers of LTD policies in Minnesota. Consequently, there is a good chance you may be covered by one of their policies now, or in the future.
However, the company has been considered by many as one of the most difficult companies to deal with in terms of their claims handling process. In fact, numerous states, including Minnesota, entered into a Regulatory Settlement Agreement in 2013 to address some of the issues with their claim handling practices and procedures.
This agreement states, among other things, that CIGNA / LINA must follow certain procedures and guidelines for when reviewing LTD claims. It requires that Social Security Disability Income awards by the Social Security Administration “be given significant weight in a claimant’s favor under certain circumstances in making a Disability analysis.”
It also deals with what medical information should be gathered and how that information should be evaluated. And, it requires Claim Managers consider all of a person’s medical conditions together, evaluating the person as a whole.
Furthermore, it sets out standards for when the insurer should request an independent medical evaluation (“IME”) or a Functional Capacity Evaluation (“FCE”), and in some cases requires them.
CIGNA / LINA is not the only insurance company to enter into such an agreement. Many companies over the years, Life Insurance, LTD benefits, Health Insurers have entered into such agreements to correct questionable claims handling practices.
Of course, like any legal agreement, there are a lot of exceptions to the rules set out in the Agreement.
If you think CIGNA / LINA wrongfully denied your long term disability benefits, call us. We will be happy to look into it for you.