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A class action suit charges that Unum systematically denies disability claims. The complaints we receive do nothing to dispel that notion. For a particularly outrageous chain of events, see Judy's Story.
Wendy of Winchester MA (07/04/08)
I had an injury to my left ankle/foot which ended up being plantar fascitis & tendonitis with continuing swelling & major pain. Since I was on my feet over 40 hours a week, I was unable to perform my job. I did not have any problems with short term disabilities through Starbucks->Unum but I've yet to receive long term benefits.
Unum asks again and again for documents they already have in their possession. And I definitely feel like they are stalling.
Once, my benefits specialst called me 10 minutes before she was to leave for the weekend to tell me they haven't received a response from one of my doctors and now they would require an extra 30 days to process my claim. (Even though they already knew this doctor only made an insert for my shoe and gave me no medical treatment.)
Every other week, they request information from a different doctor - which only prolongs the process and, in turn, they again said they had to take an additional 30 days to process my claim. Like I said -- they already have ALL of this information!!
I'm broke. I literally have less than $10 in my bank acount and all of my bills are MORE than overdue. Creditors call me EVERY day. I can't take it much longer.
My partner can't afford to take care of everything, which has also put a tremendous strain on our relationship because her bills are now behind because of me.
And here's the thing - according to Unum in order to receive benefits, I must be currently be receiving dotor treatment for my foot BUT I can't afford to go to the doctor because i do not have the money to pay the doctors -- so what do I do? Unum's got me either way!
It's going on 3 months and if it weren't for my partner I would be out on the streets -- if something doesn't happen soon, we may BOTH be out on the streets. I am completely depressed, broke, AND out of a job. Please help!
Pamela of Jerome ID (07/03/08)
I fell ill on May 29th with a severe sore throat. I went to my physician that afternoon for a strep test. The preliminary test came back negative and the following day the lab result was also negative. By the next two days the throat virus had moved into my chest and I went back to the doctors and was told I could expect to be out of work from a week to a month depending on how long the virus took to run its course. By that Friday, I was hoping that by the weekend I would be able to go back to work -- having now missed a full week. My doctor wrote my release on my assumption. However by Monday, I still had a fever, and a lot of fluid in my chest, wheezing and was continuosly coughing. I called my physcian who again said to stay home and to rest. It wasn't until the following Friday evening that I felt I could get out of bed. By that Monday I returned to work. UNUM refuses to approve the 2nd week, eventhough my physician wrote a statement to them explaining that a person who is feberish and coughing would not be recommended to go to work. In fact, when I tried to explain this to my case worker Mr. Galloway, he accused me of not even seeing a doctor. I couldn't believe it what I was hearing.
Salli of Pembroke Pines FL (06/29/08)
About three years ago, I fell and broke my ankle. I was in a cast for over two months. I filed a claim with Unum insurance for short term disability. They issued me a check for 500 and some change. I was informed my payment was based on the amount of my last paycheck and not my weekly salary . This was very unfortunate in that I was only into the second day of that pay period when the accident occured. However, they then called and requested I send the check back. They claimed that I was on leave at the time which was completely wrong. Therefore, I was not eligible for any benefits.
I called my employer and they denied they had ever told UNUM that. What was more, the indiviual I was communicating with thought I could still perform my work duties in spite of the fact I lived 25 miles round trip to my workplace and could not drive ( I broke my right ankle) per my doctors orders. Additionally, the cast would not allow me to wear most of my work clothes. When I protested these determinations, the agent became extremely rude and suggested I was trying to pull something. I was completely disgusted by the whole incident.
I never received a penny in compensation from UNUM insurance. They are not in the least bit helpful and the premiums, although inexpensive are a waste of money. They seek any possible means for denying a claim. I did not know this web site existed or I would have provided this information a long time ago.I do not expect any compensation at this late date but I want others to know about this disreputable company.
At the time my accident occured we were not doing well financially.The money sure would have helped. I wouldn't say any damages occured as a result, although we really had to struggle as my income was vitally needed. However, the agent I was dealing with was so upsetting I had to start taking medication for my nerves.
Richard of Mt. Pleasant SC (04/30/08)
My policy wwas bought by unum Provident and it provides for lifetime payments as long as I am not able to return to my former line of employmment. That was a 12-14 hr per day managerial position in Logistics in a manufacturing plant. I take 60 mg of Oxy Contin per day and also take Percocet and zanaflex or Valium as needed for spike pain or muscle spasms. My surgery did not go as planned due to extreme bleeding. I still have pain in my lower back daily, unless I stay in bed all day, and frequently have neck pains as well. I went to a vacation spot and was asked to go for a ride on a jet ski. I did but the person driving went out into the rough water so I immediately pulled the kill switch and told hern eithern we go in or we go to the flat water, we went in. I reported that to my doctor along with something that did make my back hurt which was a long bke ride through soft beach sand. I got off the bike and walked it to the hard sand so I could resume riding it. The strenous efforts of trying to ride in the soft sand caused immediate pain which was why I walked the bike.
I have arhtritis, osteoporosis, bone spurs, steel rods and screws in my back and am in pain daily. Unum asked for an update letter from my surgeon which was sent 4/10/08. On 4/30/08 they called to say they had not received it so I faxed a copy on the spot. Now they are telling me they will probably send me to another Orthopedic Surgeon to be evaluated even though they have numerous letters, follow up reports and copies of all MRIs. If their doctor pronounces me fit with a quick office visit I will be cut off financially, addicted to narcotics, and still have no ability to work. When I asked how am I supposed to get a job, much less one just like I had , when I am in this position they told me that is not their problem. What a company. Glad I paid my premiums for 20 years. Now I can get ready to lose my home and any assets I may have because of a 10 minute ride on a jet ski.
I have SSDI but it will just cover my mortgage payment. I can not survive on SSDI by itself. I will have to sell my house in this horrible real estate market and do what I can with the proceeds. How do you live on 1650 a month?
Sandra of Tigrd OR (04/23/08)
I went on short term disability on October 2007 - I could not walk, hospitized twice in Oct and Dec - after 10 docs, finally got a diagnosis - osteroarthritis in January 2008. Met with the 10th doc in January and he said, some back in 2 months at the earliest. HOWEVER, never being on disability and an honest person told unum what the doc said, but told them my goal was to go back to work full time Feb 1st. That did not happen, but after that Unum called me continually - not leaving a detailed message saying that I was going back to work full time Feb 1st
I explained in writing several times thru fax, but was ignored. Every week I was getting multiple calls and at that point, was scared to talk with them The doc office advised that I not tell them anything, just keep refering them to my doc. Then I get another letter saying I would be going back to work full time April 1st - NO IDEA WHERE THEY GOT THAT DATE, not from me or the doc.
I ended up being able to go back full time April 7th THANK GOD and thoughtI would not hear from them again. WRONG, they have called me multiple times since, just recently again tonight and last Thursday - this from long term disability(Glenn Walker) - already told them once. I was under a lot of stress both financially and physically, and I truly feel, Unum was contacting me to the point of harrasement. PLUS in the beginning the number that was on their letter head was not the correct number. I would tell the people at the first number to update my file, and they just flat out didn't They were supposed to transfer me to HSBC Unum Provident.
When I was very ill, one person was SO RUDE I hung up on her and then found out all the calls I made had not updated anything. I understand that some people my fake a problem - I had plenty of documentation and doctors to prove what I was going through was not a fake. That didn't seem to matter to Unum. I have their letters and my faxes to back up what I'm saying and believe me there was much more.
I only received part pay and from Oct to Dec I got paid twice. and when I called them, they said it was HSBC. I also have uncerative colitis and this entire process was pretty upsetting that I had a flare up which was documented in Dec by the hospital as well as not being able to walk.
Janet of Pasadena TX (03/17/08)
I am suffering from chronic fatigue idiopathic hypersomnolence and had 3 or 4 doctors state I was unable to work. The company initially paid disability and later denied them because a 'conclusive diagnosis' did not exist. I was evicted from my apartment and had to move in with someone because I couldn't work and had no income. Now, in 2008, I am still suffering the same illnesses. With more specialist. I am near exhausting my fmla allowances and cannot work a full day most days. I fear I will have to stop working and hope to get ssi benefits. Recently I called, emailed and faxed unum to get copies of my records. They have not been helpful, rather they pass me around and say someone will get back with me. I need some help. The attorney in Houston wanted $200 just to talk to me about my case.
Economic damages: no longer could be independent, moved in with then boyfriend who had to pay my last 2 months rent on the apartment. Could not get unemployment because I was not well enough to work. Found a job working from home, but later the company wanted me to commute. I could not stay alert enough to drive the distance and I quit that job. Stayed off work for a few months and found a low paying job at the city of Houston. I have been ill off and on throughout, but in October I had a serious episode with this illness. I was off for 2 months, then went back part time. I cannot seem to make a full week of work because of the exhaustion.Ii have a sleep specialist, neurologist, endocrinologist, primary care, psychiatrist and in April they have referred me to a rheumatologist.
Patricia of Somerdale NJ (02/26/08)
I filed for disability benefits back in the year 2000. From the day I filed with Unum, I was constantly harassed with calls, asking if my condition had changed, improved, etc. It was permanent! I really don't know how these people sleep at night. I was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease, which causes profound deafness, which I have now, and balance, equilibrium problems, nystagmus, ringing in the ears, everyday.
When my SSDI came through, oddly enough, they (Unum) decided to pay my claim in a lump sum. It came the same day as my SSDI did. I was told I could keep it. They bugged me every month because, heaven forbid, they had to pay me 100 dollars each month. That was my benefit. I was later put in collections for the $3,000.00 they had paid me, and I had to empty my pension to pay them back. They got off scott free.
As the years have progressed, my disability has gotten worse. I have fallen down my apt stairs and have broken my right foot in 2004, requiring reconstructive surgery. I had PT for 2 years. I recently in October re-broke the same foot. I walk with a cane now. I'm only 46 years old. I'm a prisoner in my own apt. (second floor) because I don't have enough money to move, and my apt. wants a 400 dollar transfer fee. I don't know how Unum employees sleep at night. They get away with not paying and leaving the government to foot the bill. I don't see things improving for myself and I feel deeply for all of you who told your stories.
Had to go into my pension and withdraw all my money. $3,000.00. Physically, I fall to the right, and mobility is an issue. They told me I could still work! I'm stuck on a 2nd floor apt. with no way to move. What I get paid a month, $892- apparently is too much for any kind of assistance. I live alone. And my disability gets worse each year.
Anna of Baldwyn MS (02/22/08)
I worked for Rooms to Go for 3 years. I was hurt on the job and started receiving long term disability from Unum Provident insurance. I was disabled for life and it took 3 years for social security to approve my claim . After they did, Unum now wants the same amount I got from social security back. They told me that Rooms to Go put this clause in the policy. Is there anything I can do to stop them?
Carmen of Clarksville TN (02/22/08)
The denied a disability claim that should have been paid in 2006, causing me loss of income.
Jim of Mancos CO (01/23/08)
I purchased a long term care insurance policy from UNUM about ten years ago. Each of the last two years they have increased the premium. They say can do this under the terms of the contract. The contract says that tho they won't increase the amount due to age or illness they reserve the right to increase the premium if they increase everyone's premium in the associated block that the premium falls within. I would love to know if the block actually is in fact tied to age because of when it was written. At the time of purchase we were led to believe that there would never be any increase.
What this means is that they can keep increasing the premium without cease each year forever. If I choose not to participate I loose the premiums for the past ten years. Or - I can lessen the amount of coverage from what it is now - Or stop paying and only receive the benifits accrued so far.
Terri of Ennis TX (01/21/08)
I was injuried on the job Nov 10, 2004 in Arizona. I fell to my knees after my headset cord wrapped around my left ankle, causing me to drop immediately to both knees and all my computer equipment to fall upon me. I filed a W/C case against the company in 2005, needless to say it was denied and no appeal would work. Unum sent me paperwork to fill out, my claim is approved, then I have to move for personal reasons. I was filling out paperwork about every 3 weeks for them and getting more and more stressed. They said I had to do these things to keep my disability payments coming. They also said I had to file for my Social Security Disability using Genex (advocates they use to get your social security started).
And then the nightmare really began, it was my responsibility to get doctor reports, to prove my case should stay alive and not closed. Took Genex almost 2 yrs to get my SSDI, but an ironic thing happened when I got approved. Genex had my new address, but they sent to my old address, and faxed the approval to Unum. A phone call would have been appropriate, 3 days after approval of SSDI I received a letter form Unum saying I will need to fill out more info to keep my benefits coming. And a week later I received another letter from Unum's financial department stating I owed them $18,126.00, and then another letter came saying I had to sign over all rights of my Social Security Information, and if I did not my benefits would cease. I called the financial department and spoke to Ms Austin, who explained I would not be getting any back pay until all areas were straightened out accordingly to make sure I did not get overpaid. She said she would followup in January 2008. We spoke a few days ago and since I might not receive any payment at all due to personal reasons, they (Unum) have stated my benefits will cease and my monthly benefits will stop coming to repay what is owed to them. I am already in financial ruin and lost my home, and my vehicle, not much left but to file bankruptcy.
I have been under a tremendous amount of stress, which results of increasing pain, stress is the number one thing that causes pain to not get relieved and causes more people to give up in life. At times I am not sure how I will continue and cannot handle much more from these people who seem to have no compassion as to what they are doing to our lives, Just as long as a company badgers us and tell us more paperwork, then say we are only thinking of you and want to help, help is not this way. Sitting here trying to type this is extremely hard for me as it hurts greatly to sit very long or stand at all. I have to walk with a 4 pegged walker most of the time to balance, live on many pain meds, been thru any procedures I can to lessen the pain, cried myself to sleep night after night, and sometimes daily. I have been on meds to help with the damage it has caused to my mind and mental state.
Zaharias of Chantilly VA (01/02/08)
I was on disability for two degenarative discs in my lumbar area and spinal stenosis for 14 months. Unum denied my claim.
The consequences are marital problems and foreclosure on our home.
Ray of Waverly Hall GA (07/28/07)
Wife was hurt on job while nursing and was on W/C in 1999 and also put in for SSD and was approved. When she filed for Long Term Disability the company said she was making too much money per month, after the W/C settled her claim she filed again in 2002 or 2003 and was told she had waited too long. How can this be when all they did was put her off until the time limit, so they said.
V of Staten Island NY (06/07/07)
I have an anxiety panic disorder, and I cant be alone at times or leave the house. I take medication and go for counseling, I dont concentrate well and Cant focus anymore cause I have severe anxiety with I feel like My heart is going to explode. I have given Unum all Doctors notes, psyciatric evaluation letters and any information that was requested. I spoke to numerous people with dates and times, from Diane Lewis, to many others. I was told that my unum will not run out as long as i have medical evidence supporting my disability. I was told I would be covered until 2027. I had my close reletavies look into this also and know, unum cut me off they never told me that they were going to.
Don of Houston TX (06/06/07)
I was hurt on the job and was covered by UNUM. This happened approx 10-12 years ago and of course not knowing the system I could not believe I had to apply for SSDI to qualify for the UNUM benefits. Also my employer requested I apply for the UNUM benefits and they would help with all the paper work. To make a long story short, UNUM did approve my benefits (it was hard for them not to with the scope of my injuries) which amounted to 2100.00 per month which I received for about 6 months before my SSID was approved. Then they wanted all my back retro SSID to pay them back. I didn't do it. I couldn't!! Anyway, UNUM was supposed to pay the difference between the SSDI amount and the UNUM amount which lowered UNUM's libility to about 1000.00 a month at the time.
We went bankrupt (legally in court) and never really recovered from UNUM'S crap and from that time approx 10-12 years ago, I've remained on SSDI and have never received a payment from UNUM which would be pretty big by now. Personally, I think they are all low lifes.
Tammy of Alabaster AL (05/04/07)
I scheduled a surgery that was medically necessary and approved by my Medical Insurance Company, sent all the required documentation to Unum Insurance prior to surgery so I would not have to deal with this while on leave. My doctor has determined that I be on leave for at least 6 weeks, the insurance sompany states I should only be on leave for 2 weeks, I should be back at work and be okay. First thing, what right do they have to tell me I'm okay? Second, everyone heals differently, what could be good for one person is not good for another, therefore each claim should be looked at individually not as a rule. I am to return to work on May 15th, the company only wants to pay me for the time they think is reasonable, which is until April 23rd, which was my last Dr visit. This company is very heartless and does not want to work with you on an individual basis.
I was unable to meet my financial obligations, so I had to borrow money just to make my bills, and promised to pay it back once UnumProvident paid me. I have just had surgery, which entails chunks of my body has been removed, I have stitches inside & outside my body, and now I am having to deal with the stress of these people, and getting my bills paid, and trying to recuperate. This should my time for healing and getting my body back to normal, not fighting with a company who should be helping me not hurting me.
Nancy of Pembroke MA (04/05/07)
On June 4, 2005 I suvvered a Rupturd Brain Aneurysm. After the intial clipping of the Aneurysm, I acquired an infection of the Brain while an inpatient as Mass General Hospital. Trying to rid me of the infection resulted in me having 5 additional Brain surgeries, as none of the Antibiotics worked.The 4th and 5th surguries were to remove my right skull and after 6 months it was replaced with a titanium plate in order to rid me of the infections. The infections were 2 Bacterial, and 1 Fungal.
As a result of one of the surgeries, I have significant difficulty with short term memory, comprehension, coordinating, forgetting what I'm, and walking away, no matter what it might be. confused very easily, and unsteadiness on my right side, and sometimes I forget something is in my right hand, and I drop it or it falls.
I was on long term disability for a little over a year, I got approved for SSDI, and got a retroactive check which I had to hand over the entire check to unum provident, to pay beack dissability payments that I was awarded because I am on SSDI. My amount was cut fro 925.00 per month to 260 per month. Now that they have significantly reduced my benefit, they are requiring me to go for an 8 hour Medical evaluation, including a Neuropscholigist exam. This doesn't seem fair. Any input would be appreciated.
Anne of Mukilteo WA (01/08/07)
I was a teacher who integrated fine arts into literture, social studies, and reading. I team taught with an incredible teacher. She and I designed the entire program and there was a waiting list to get into the program of 6th graders. I loved my job and spent usually ten to twelve hours there every day. Then I started to notice eztreme fatigue, pushing it off to my work, but I became dizzy. One day I fell asleep at the wheel and then finally one day I fell asleep over my overhead projector in front of the class. That day I went to a neurologist and a sleep disorders doctor.
I suffered from extreme sleep apnea, had turned blue three times, was put into the hospital with breathing difficulties, and the decision was made that I needed to take time off. I was not allowed to drive and had to get help getting to the doctor, 70 miles away as they helped me. I was put on a c-pap which helped some, but not enough to make it through a day. I was put in the hospital three times for studies and the doctor stated clearly that my apnea was clearly disabling, after extensive studies and she would fill out any paperwork.
Social Security was filed and granted when I had to resign, the worst day I experienced. Unum Provident determined I qualified, as well, but not for the illness. I have been bi-polar for 30 years and am monthly monitored. I have no career ending problems with this, but the agent, when I called and was upset at this decision, actually called me a mental case. I received the two years of benefits for the mental issue, not the full benefits due me. I filed an appeal, was turned down and when I complained about this I was told I had reached the end of my opportunities.
I had so much evidence but they pulled what they wanted. I am one of those in review, but I believe Unum is Unum. My agent is decent, but I fear I will have to enter a class action or private attorney.By the way, not only do they take away your benefits, they take away your dignity, which gives me cause to keep fighting, for you see, I am not a mental case.
I lost my benefits that should have continued beyend the two years to age 65. I am not able to work, the stress caused severe stomach damage so that I had to have surgery to have my entire stomach removed. Currently I am on morphine and Vicodan for adhesions from the surgery. I have tremendous difficulty wearing my c-pap mask as I sleep sitting up to prevent vomiting in the mask. During the day I sleep two to three times, preventing me even the energy to volunteer in a school.
Juren of San Diego CA (12/27/06)
I have been applying for disablilty and overhead insurance since May of this year. I have been dealing with a Mr. Chabot who does not respnd to my requests since September of 22, 2006 to my registered mail requests. The last one has been sent off on 12.27.2006. He knows, that I have been on physician documented disablilty since 5.30.2006. I have not received any evaluation of my claim as yet and certainly not any payments which I am in need of.
my reimbursement should have been in trange of $ 50 - 70,000.00 at this time, which leaves me in financial distress
Cheryl of Pembroke NH (10/07/06)
After all of the medical documention(for MS)asked for, and incessant questions which I answered ad nauseum. They told me that I only needed to word 5 more hours during the week,so they wouldn't have to pay me. The sought neurologists that would not tell them what they wanted ie; oh, of course she can work an extra 5 hours.
So finally after 9 or so months I received a call from April: Good news, I just wanted you to know that this is a medically supported claim. Fast forward to 2 weeks later, oh we can't pay you because you have to have a 20% loss....OK, well I'm a 40 hour employee, and I cut my hours by 8 a week, so that's 32 hours a month. To me that looks like a 20% loss.
Ok, so this week my whole right side of my face drooped like a stroke. My neurologist wants me to take some time off, but thanks to unum provident they never took into consideration that my company automatically takes out earned time so the loss is hidden, my earned time IS a loss, and now I'm into a negative balance, so I'm screwed either way. That's what insurance is for, they need to see how much earned time added up to my 20 % loss, then that will give them the real numbers. I don't know what happens if I have to take time off, which my doctor suggested after this most recent exacerbation. I have a mortgage, bills, federal loans etc, that's why there's ltd.
Delores of Holly Springs MS (09/30/06)
Unum stopped paying me even tho my policy states they were to pay me until I reached 65 and was still disabled. I am barely suriving on social security disability. I am losing my home not able to pay my bills and under a lot of stress
Michael S. Donnellan of Epping NH (02/23/06)
UnumProvident has not denied my claim. But they maintain a relentless passive-agressive harrassment effort in order to provoke a confrontation. The Veteran Administration pays me 100% 'unemployability disability' benefits. Social Security found in my favor and granted disability. Unum is ripping at my good fortune in regards to unfortunate circumstances and have been trying to harrass me off the books for 6 years now. Do I have any legal recourse?
Denise of Kennebunk ME (01/19/06)
This isn't the first time I have been denied disability coverage from UNUM. I was denied disability coverage after I became ill in 1998. I was employed by a company called PC CONNECTION in Milford NH. I was later diagnosed with CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) and have been collecting SSDI since 2000. I received a letter from Unum in February 2005 stating that my claim could be reconsidered. I sent the paper work back opting in.
I was moving from NH to Maine when they sent a second letter requesting additional information during the summer of 2005. I was moving to Maine because we couldn't afford to live in Milford NH anymore. Besides the fact that I have been unable to work since getting ill, the company my husband had worked for, for about 17 years was cutting everyone's hours back to 20 a week. We couldn't make our mortgage payments, pay our taxes and all the rest. We had to sell our house. We had to use the proceeds of the sale to pay off debts we had accrued, and we had to use what was left to live on.
My husband was working for UPS part time in the Nashua NH facility in addition to his other job and was told if we relocated they would give him a full time position in the Wells facility. That didn't happen. We moved to Maine because we have a piece of land in Kennebunk Maine. We lived in our pop up camper all last summer waiting for my husband to be made full time and all along hoping that we would be able to obtain financing to build a house. We had no mailing address until we could get a building permit. All our mail was being held in NH.
After finally receiving the request, filling out the information they requested and sending it back, I received a letter back from Unum claiming it "was too Late". So again they have managed to screw me out of the coverage I deserved.
Carolyn of Concord NC (4/9/05):
I was granted long term disability insurance, then was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I was told I was a liar and knew all along I had this. Unum acted in bad faith, Now the medical bills are adding up and I am about to lose my home of 16 years. I want them to settle this now or explain to my children why they no longer can live in the only home they have ever lived in!
Cheryl of Acton CA (2/3/05):
Nonpayment of short-term disability claim. Claim submitted with necessary paperwork in July, 2004. Multiple phone calls and delays, it has been 7 months and the stalling continues. My disability plan was through Facey Medical Foundation, all premiums were up-to-date. Financial impact has been tremendous. I had to take out a second mortgage on my home to make cost-of-living expenses during 8 week disability.
Virginia of Worcester MA writes (1/24/03):
I am a 46-year-old mother of 3, diagnosed with a rare incurable disease by several physicians and specialists. I had to leave work March 3 2001, due to ilness. I filed for LTD benefits as advised by my employer. I worked for 26 years as a health care professional. Unum denied my claim, denied my appeal, denied another appeal, denied 30-day demand for payment letter.
Unum showed malice, breach of contract, and allowed claim reps to "summarize the numerous medical documents submited, then submitting a summary based on old records, omitting important facts, and statments that were untrue. I have several documents that prove Unum had no intention to disapprove my claim regardless of the information provided to them by specialists as well as specialists speaking to Unum doctors by phone. The disease I have is extremely rare, autonomic neuropathy, which causes damage to nerves and muscles in major organs.
For me it has caused my colon to stop functioning, which resulted in a diganosis of chronic intestinal pseudo obstruction, I also have nerve damage to bladder resulting in a neruogenic bladder; I have no feeling to void, must use self catheterization 4 times a day. I also have had a sudden onset of scoliosis from the damage to my spine. This has resulted in a 50 to 60 degree curvature, which is extremely painful. I have been to doctors all over the state of MA. There is no cure. Not one doctor has been able to help me. This disease is extremely debilitating due to pain and limited ability to walk more than a few feet without severe spinal pain.
Unum's denials included statements that showed they make up their own diagnosis. Unum's first denial informed me that I just had a case of "constipation" and that I could return to work. The next denial stated "if your condtion was that serious you would have gotten an appointment sooner with the speciailst who was referred to you ... Therefore you can return to work." Unum acted in bad faith and did not provide me with a fair review.
Due to Unum's decision, I have suffered severe financial losses due to the loss of income. I have creditors hounding me, my children are going without necessities, my son cannot return to his first year of college due to nonpayment of tuition, my house went into foreclosure, it was scheduled to be auctioned. My parents lent me the $10,000 I needed to keep it. However, the bank that held my mortgage for 22 years would not allow us to keep the account. We were forced to refinance. We had a fixed rate of 7.5 percent for 10 yrs. Due to credit being severely affected since Unum did not pay my benefits, we could not find a mortgage company that would give us a rate close to what we had. Now we have a mortgage rate of 13.5 percent! Mortgage payments went up $350.00 a month.
I am about to lose my home again. I now am behind by 2 months. The financial stress and added costs have been difficult and very stressful to deal with. I took this insurance years ago due to the fact that I knew I would not be able to make ends meet without it. It is so hard to be sick, in pain, not knowing if I am going to die from this disease, doctors are not optimistic, my children need me, I owe thousands of dollars in financial obligations I was always able to meet prior to becoming too ill to work.
I could not work anywhere with this condtion. It is difficult getting through some days due to pain and symptoms of chills, sweats, dizziness, headaches etc. Unum called those "stress." I need to get this money soon. I don't want to lose my home. I would do anything to get better and return to work. Unfortunately, a cure has not been discovered. I have searched the country for a doctor that may be able to help me.
Unum was aware that I had planned on going to the Mayo clinic in Sept of 2001, they still denieed my claim. I could not go because I did not have money for plane fare. Now it may be too late. I have one son who is disabled due to learning disabilities and severe ADHD. He needs me to be here for him. I want to live. I do not want to suffer financially any longer.
Unum now owes me $48,000 in back pay. They are stealing my mney and making interest on it. When I saw the 60 Minutes episode and Dateline NBC, I was not surprised at those reports. I do not know how these employees and physicians can sleep at night, knowing they are deliberately denying benefits. I hope something is done soon. I do not want anyone to go through what I have had to. My husband is now laid off from his job because we cannot get a car loan. He needs a car to get to work, which is 60 miles away. Due to our credit changing from A to D we cannot get a loan. please help me.
Reader comments on this complaint
Carlos of Lancaster CA (12/31/03):
I was in an accident at work on June 19, 2002 and have been on disability since August 10, 2002. I was working for Six Flags Magic Mountain and the company got me on the short and long-term disability. Now I send my claim to the insurance company but they denied it.
I cannot return to my usual and customary job duties because I have permanent limitations from this injury. The adjuster stopped the temporary disability and my state disability insurance benefits are exhausted. I do not have any income and I have five dependents.
Jerry of Spokane Valley WA (12/24/03):
UNUM has denied my disability claim despite having three doctors state that I am totally disabled from severe chronic pain disorder. I also have medical test results that clearly show a physical problem with my lower back. Their own doctor has stated that I have chronic pain disorder. He has also stated that he cannot define any way that a work environment can be modified to accommodate my disability. He even states that he cannot even say that I can exist in a full time sedentary position.
UNUM states that my primary disabling condition is psychological. They even approved a one-year disability payment for a psychological disorder. While it is true that I do have severe depression, this is typical of people with chronic pain disorder. Their own doctor even states that psychosocial problems are typical of people with chronic pain disorder. My doctor has clearly stated that my psychological problems are secondary to the chronic pain. I feel strongly that my psychological problems have been dramatically increased because of the conduct and actions of UNUM. This claim is also supported by my current therapist.
I am facing financial ruin because of their actions in denying my claim. I cannot work, there is little hope that I will ever be able to work, I have met the criteria of the policy, and yet I am still being denied payment. Because of my current financial position I am not able to afford any legal help.
Donna of Moneta VA (5/26/03):
In January 2000, I received a letter from UNUM stating they could not continue my benefits. I was disbled in 1999 with anxiety and depression. My doctor as of today has not released me to return to work. UNUM states in my deniel letter that my doctor said I should avoid large crowds and that I could return to work because there are not that many people in the office. My doctor said a lot more than just avoid large crowds.
I suffer from panic attacks and severe depression. I cannot make decisions and suffer bouts of depression where I cannot leave my home. They had no medical people interview me or examine me. I think I had a breakdown the day Lisa called me and said "you will not get anymore checks and a letter will follow". I said why. She said, "too bad". I called my doctor and he said they had not requested anything from him to make such a diagnosis. I went to an attorney and he held on to all my records for 2 years and then sent them back to me and said there was nothing he could do.
I lost my income. I cried for days. I thought my doctor had betrayed me. I was imagining all kinds of bad things. I had to apply for Social Security and was awarded monthly benefits. I could not resond to my family and to this day suffer from a mental trama resulting from that phone call.
Nancy of Greenville SC (1/27/03):
I became disabled due to on-the-job injury and there is no hope for a relief. I filed for LTD benefits after I had stopped receiving workers comp benefits. UNUM started paying me, then after going thru my past medical records, say that my work injury was related to a past health problem which was resolved.
I challenged the claim and after exhausting and difficult hassles, they decided to reinstate my claim. This was after numerous calls, e-mails and registered letter. Now 2 years later, they say that they overpaid me in the amount of $17,000.00, after they recieved ALL statements on my income. I am disabled and only recieving a small amount of income from Social Security and now I have to pay them back this money. I am in serious financial problems now and will have to seek out an attorney to fight this.
Karen of Sumter SC (2/10/03):
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1999 at the age of 44, after years of ever-increasing pain and cognitive problems along with depression. I continued to work fulltime as a cardiac monitor technician until August 2001 when my doctor, after one year of recommending I stop working, insisted that I stop and apply for disability through my employer.
I did not listen to him and continued to work for another year, and after waiting the required 30-day elimination period and another month, I was approved by Unum for short-term disability in 2001. In the meantime I was broke and could not take care of myself or my two children at home, so I applied for a postion as a cardiac monitor technician at another hospital that offered me $3.00 more an hour. I did not want to return to work because I was in severe pain, but felt I had no choice.
I accepted the new job and started work on 9/25/01. THEN I received my check and approval letter from Unum, but only valid thru 9/23/01. As I started my new job with my new employer well aware that I took narcotic pain relievers and had fibromyalgia, I did my best to learn the new computer system and doctors orders, but my cognitive problems were greatly interfering with them. My pain level also increased.
I found out that I also suffered from osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease of my spine, lumbar facet disease, and neural encroachment of my cervical spine (I could not pick up a patient's chart or drive my car, sit or stand without being in agony) hypothyroidism, chronic insomnia and clinical depression.
After 3 months of trying, my two treating physicians BOTH signed separate disability forms with my last day of work as 12/03/01. My new employer granted me a medical leave of absence and helped me file with their disability company. Again, it was UNUM. I only had a 3-day elimination period with my new job and Unum approved my disability for three months, but starting on 1/15/02 because even though I had two doctors sign that my start of disability was 12/8/01, my pain management doctor, who I saw and who conferred with my internist on 12/5/01, but I did not have an appointment with her (my internist) until Janurary, did not record it in my medical record until my January appointment with him, (my pain doctor.)
Amy from Unum stated that I just needed to send in copies of all my doctor visits to continue receiving benefits. Also, to have them grant me benefits from 12/8/01 to 1/14/02 all I needed to do was have my pain management doctor write a statement reiterating the start date of my disability since he omitted it from my records. She told me that the signed and dated disability forms were not enough, it had to be written in my records also.
I did exactly what she asked of me and sent her all of my medical records from 4/02 to the present time and the letter from the doctor as she requested. On 7/2/02 I received a letter stating that Unum received my additional information, but that it was not sufficient to consider benefits beyond 3/29/02, and that "the information provided does not provide significant findings to support a lack of work capacity. Your complaints are primarily self reported, as the diagnostic tests have been negative."
Since they already had all of my x-rays, MRI's and CAT scan reports and medical records documenting my spinal problems, along with now five different doctors stating that I have fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndromes (which there are NO blood tests to prove or disprove) I asked Amy how I could be approved a year ago for fibromyalgia alone, then be approved for three months with all the new diagnoses, only to now be DENIED. I also asked about the back benefits that she requested the letter from my pain doctor for, and she said that she does not make the decisions, that the review board did and that I could send in any more information I might have. She also sent me a physicial assessment form to be filled out for the first time, in July. I asked to be sent a mental assessment from also since a major part of my inability to work is my cognitive impairments problems.
My pain doctor sent in a physical and mental evaluation from his clinic recommending I complete a 6-week pain management program, but he would not complete their assessment forms until AFTER the course. I explained to Amy that I did not have the money for gas, health or auto insurance unless I got the benefits for at least the 6 weeks. Again, she said that was all that was needed and even told my doctor's office manager that I should be approved with the information he sent. So, I agreed to go to the pain course.
Still no approval, so I postponed it week after week for 4 weeks, (I could only start on a Monday) only to receive a denial letter on 8/22/02. It stated in part, that "information received does continue to document your complaints of pain and we concluded that you may have difficultly performing those activities requiring moderate to heavy physical activity on a sustained basis. However, the clinical exam findings and results of diagnostic testing to not support a physicial pathology of such magnitude as to support a lack of all work activity ... does not support that you would be precluded from each of the duties of your regular occupation."
Meanwhile, my pain doctor became so upset that I kept rescheduling the start date of his pain course that he refused to prescribe any further pain medication for me until I attended. Needless to say with his uncaring attitude after being his patient for 15 months, I ceased going to him and have found another physician.
I am now completely indigent. My credit is ruined, and I have over the limit and late fees on all four of my personal credit cards that has added thousands of dollars to my balances that I can not pay. I still have electricity only because my daughter has severe asthma and requires the use of a nebulizer for her breathing treatments at home. I no longer have any health insurance coverage.
I had to demean myself and go on food stamps and apply for Medicaid. After being without any insurance for over three months and therefore could not afford to go to my doctors, receive the recommended treatments, or get any of my medicines. Now I have Medicaid, but it does not approve some of my maintanence medicines, and some of my physicians and treatment facilities do not accept Medicaid. I have no auto insurance, (but at least another insurance company I had on my car loan is paying my loan.)
I could not afford to pay my yearly automobile SC state property taxes, so my vehicle registration was revoked. So, when I absolutely have to go somewhere, I am driving an uninsured unregistered car. I do not have any family that I can get any help from for finances or other matters. My stress level is extremely high. My depression, chronic insomnia, and chronic pain have all severely increased. Being without some of my medicines also increases the severity of my symptoms. I am at the end of my rope and if it were not for my children, I would not even be bothering to write this or try to go on. My life has been reduced to nothing but pain, heartache and stress.
Christine of Nottingham PA (2/27/03):
I have been receiving disability benefits under The Equitable Life Assurance Co. since 1999. I had two policies one issued 1993 - administered by Disability Management Services. The other policy issued in 1996 and administered by UnumProvident. I have a problem with The Equitable in that they have issued two policies to the same idividual, but no indication that there would be different managing companies, should I ever have to utilize the coverage. (This is a seperate complaint).
UnumProvident is now "pushing" the limits and utilizing every opportunity to do so. I am quite aware of their recent reputation, and feel that I am a part of the "numbers crunching" that apparently is occurring. I have several diagnosis: Fibromyalgia. Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), Lyme disease, Irritable bowel syndrome all exacerbated by STRESS, which they are attributing to. They discontinued my benefit in Oct 2002, stating that I needed to see a psychiatrist, psychologist or menatl health couselor due to documentation in my records of stress anbd refusal by me to seek such therapy.
This is absolutely not true and documented by my physicians. I paid out of pocket for "stress management" by a licensed mental health counselor and they reinstated my benefits upon completion of my 1st appointment, however, afetr my sedond appointment, UnumProvident sent me a letter stating they would be sending me for a Neuropsychological exam due to the mental helath couselor and/or myself were not being objective. I am scheduled for tomorrow (2/28/03) for the evaluation. My stress management sessions are completed (Totaling 213.00) of which I am asking reimbursement from Unum for, however they state they don't pay for medical treatment.
They did order the sessions because they stopped my benefits until I saw a counselor, and reinstated my benefits when I started to see him. The Mental health counselor told Unum that I do not have any "underlying" psychiatric diagnosis and they are now sending me for further evaluation in hopes of stopping my beneits. I have 9 (nine) physicians documenting my diagnosis' AND 4 (four) physicians that I have been sent to by the insurance company since 1999.
My husband has had a heart attack and coronary artery bypass x 4. He is unable to work. This insurance was taken out as a safety net for my family. I never in a million years would have ever thought I would need it. Now that I do, they don't care. This is a tremendous amount of stress on myself, my huisband - neither of us with illness that allow for any additional stress to be placed. They had no problem taking my premium payments, though!
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