Hello, has anyone here worked with Lincoln Financial as part of the USAA short term disability process? If so, can you please explain your experience with the process and how long everything took? Thank you.
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They are slow. Be organized, get your docs to send forms as quickly as possible, and remember that like most insurance companies, they are looking for reasons to deny or limit paying benefits.
I had major surgery at a previous company that required extensive time off. All the paperwork was filled in properly, but the follow-up with the Lincoln representative was awful. One week out of the hospital and I got a call asking if I would be able to return to work the next week. When I said no and explained my surgery, the rep said they were aware and asked if I could commit to going back in 2 weeks? I contacted my HR, explained the issue. HR stepped in and the problem was resolved. My doctor stepped in as well.
LFG worked fast in my case. I had everything in place well before my leave.
Compared to other companies that do similar work, I find Lincoln to be excellent and quick.
Often the hang up is the doctor’s office providing the information needed.
With HIPAA, nothing can be shared over the phone and you need to have a release on file for your doctor to share any information about you.
Doctors won’t share any information without having all the legal paperwork lined up properly, as the penalties under HIPAA are severe.
thanks everyone. dealing with them now and am having challenges. I will share my experience when everything is apporoved to guide others who are having stress or mental health illness.
Depends on your case worker. Make sure you initiate contact early (if possible) and often. Mine left me without a paycheck
for two cycles (planned procedure). They were able to initiate back pay on the next check but it was pretty stressful and I had to call them every day.
Get things approved and lined up in advance if possible. LFG was pretty smooth to work with. I was told by my manager that the process can turn into a hassle if you don't have your STD/LTD paperwork lined up early.
I had the luxury of being out for a planned procedure. Obviously for surprises that take you out you can't file in advance. But in general get things filled and approved as quickly as you can and things should be okay.
Lincoln move pretty fast, it be USAA hr dept that take there time.