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Long-Term Disability Claims Attorneys for Alzheimer’s Disease

If you have been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the long-term disability claims attorneys at Capitan Law may be able to help you get the benefits you need so that you can focus on your treatment.

When someone develops Alzheimer’s disease, it affects their entire lives and the lives of those who love them. Over 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s. It is the 6th leading cause of death, killing more people than prostate and breast cancer combined.

At Capitan Law, we understand the impact this debilitating disease can have. We also know the challenge of applying for long-term disability benefits for Alzheimer’s disease. Insurance companies will frequently deny claims for Alzheimer’s disease, preventing those in need from receiving the monthly payments they need to afford medical treatment and daily living expenses.

If you or someone you love requires daily assistance, Capitan Law has the experience and resources to successfully file initial claims and appeal denied claims. Our Alzheimer’s disease long-term disability claims attorneys will advocate for your rights and work hard to see that the insurance company pays you what you need.

Call us for a free consultation today at (267) 419-7888. We’re ready to get started on your claim.

Determining Eligibility for Long-Term Disability Insurance

Whether you have coverage through your employer or purchased an individual plan, there are specific qualifications for receiving long-term disability insurance benefits. Most policies state that you must have a disabling condition for at least 12 months to apply. A doctor must provide sufficient documentation of your Alzheimer’s diagnosis and your inability to perform at least two of the Activities of Daily Living below for 90 days or longer:

  • Bathing – Clean and groom yourself
  • Dressing – Get dressed without struggling with zippers and buttons
  • Eating – Ability to feed oneself
  • Transferring – Ability to walk or move from the bed to a wheelchair and back without assistance
  • Toileting – Get on and off a toilet
  • Continence – Ability to control bowel and bladder functions

There are additional activities that aren’t necessarily performed every day but might be a requirement for receiving long-term disability benefits, such as difficulty:

  • Accessing transportation
  • Using a phone
  • Housekeeping tasks
  • Managing medications
  • Shopping for clothing or groceries
  • Caring for pets
  • Managing finances
  • Preparing meals

There are also situations where someone’s cognitive abilities could be impaired. If you have a severe cognitive impairment due to your Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the insurance company might determine that you are eligible for benefit payments. Many policies define a severe cognitive impairment as the deterioration or loss of mental capacity and the need for supervision.

A medical provider will determine your level of impairment with the following factors:

  • Your orientation as to who you are, where you are, and the day, date, and year;
  • Your short-term or long-term memory; or
  • Your abstract or deductive reasoning.

It’s crucial that you or your loved one ensure the doctor explicitly states on the medical records that they diagnosed you with Alzheimer’s and, through evaluation, determined you have a severe cognitive impairment and are unable to perform at least two of the six Activities of Daily Living. Our Alzheimer’s disease long-term disability claims attorneys will review all documentation to ensure it’s adequate in proving you deserve benefits.

How to File a Claim for Long-Term Disability

While most people who develop Alzheimer’s disease are at least 65 years old, it can affect individuals much younger. If you are under 65, it is referred to as early-onset Alzheimer’s. It can sometimes be difficult to diagnosis since symptoms are similar to other diseases and ailments.

Individuals who are still employed at the time of their diagnosis might have coverage through their employer’s long-term disability policy. If you are retired, you will have to apply through an individual plan that you purchased.

Employer-Paid Long-Term Disability

If you are still working at the time of your diagnosis, you must notify your employer immediately. You should also request a copy of their policy to determine the available coverage, important deadlines to follow, and other relevant information for filing a claim. If approved for benefits, you could receive up to 80% of your average monthly wages before the disability began. The duration of payments will depend on the coverage listed on the policy.

Here are the steps you should follow:

Step 1 – Hire an Alzheimer’s disease long-term disability claims attorney. Handling insurance claims is complicated and time-consuming. You are already dealing with enough and should not have to go through this alone. Capitan Law will help you with each step of the process.

Step 2 – Fill out an application for benefits from the insurance company. Your attorney can help you with this step and ensure the information you provide is complete and accurate. You could end up with a denied claim if there are discrepancies or incomplete forms. Your employer will send your completed application to the insurance company to begin the claims process.

Step 3 – Ask your doctor for a physician statement. They should include your diagnosis, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and how it affects your job-related duties. Although there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, you could begin a treatment plan to manage your symptoms. Attend all appointments, take prescribed medications, and keep copies of your medical records to submit to the insurance company.

Step 4 – Follow up with the insurance company. They have 45 days to make a decision about your claim. During that time, they might ask for additional information or evidence of your disability. You must promptly respond and cooperate with the insurance adjuster.

Individual Long-Term Disability Plan

If you purchased an individual plan, you would have to apply for benefits directly with the insurance company. When you notify them of your Alzheimer’s diagnosis, they will provide you with the appropriate forms to complete. You should still include a physician statement and submit all relevant medical evidence.

You should also retain Capitan Law to assist you with the claim. We’re familiar with individual plans and will aggressively pursue the maximum benefits you deserve. Since insurance companies tend to treat policyholders unfairly and look for any excuse to deny claims, we will work diligently to help ensure that does not happen. If, for some reason, they deny your claim anyway, we can file an appeal to reverse their decision, so you start receiving the payments you need to afford your daily expenses.

Contact Us

The Alzheimer’s disease long-term disability claims attorneys of Capitan Law provide dependable legal services to individuals who can no longer work due to their debilitating symptoms. We can handle the initial claims process, appeal denied claims, and file lawsuits. We understand how intimidating insurance companies can be, and you will not have to fight them on your own. We will remain by your side throughout each step of the process.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and require assistance recovering long-term disability benefits, call us (267) 419-7888 today.

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