Voya Financial / ReliaStar / ING Disability Insurance Claim Denials
Marc Whitehead & Associates represent claimants in actions against Voya Financial for unfair denials of disability insurance claims.
If your Voya claim was denied, talk with a disability attorney at our firm about how we may be able to assist you in appealing the denial. Our free consultation can begin the process of overturning Voya’s decision to deny or terminate your rightful benefits.
We have successfully helped hundreds of disabled claimants in their battles against the nation’s largest disability insurance companies. As your law firm, we will do everything possible to make the process easy for you.
About Voya Financial Insurance Company
Voya Financial was previously known in the United States to be a part of the multi-national financial services company ING, or ING US.
Over the decades, ING acquired various financial, investment and insurance companies – such as Security Life of Denver Insurance Company, Life of Georgia, Aetna Financial Services, ReliaStar and CitiStreet.
As recently as 2014, ING rebranded the US operations into being a standalone company, VOYA Financial, Inc. Headquartered in New York, today Voya is a billion dollar giant offering insurance, investment and retirement savings products and services.
Voya Employee Benefits coverage is handled through ReliaStar Life Insurance Company and ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York. Both ReliaStar companies are part of the Voya “family” of companies.
Accordingly, whether your dispute involves a disability claim denial under the company name of Voya or ReliaStar, we can assist you.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Voya Financial Disability Insurance – Group Employee Benefits
Group disability insurance coverage offered by Voya / ReliaStar Life Insurance Company include:
- Disability Income Coverage
- Self-Funded Short Term Disability Income
- Fully-Insured Short and Long Term Disability Income
- Association and Affinity Group Insurance for Professionals (Disability Income)
Why Does Voya Deny Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims?
Like most prominent insurance companies, Voya (formerly ING ReliaStar) denies as many claims as possible as part of its business model. Insurance companies make money via premium collection. Paying out claims affects profit margins.
If Voya has denied your long-term disability claim (LTD), you have the right to appeal. Time is of the essence, so it is crucial to consult with a long-term disability insurance lawyer as soon as you receive the denial letter. You have just 180 days from the denial date to file your appeal.
Common reasons Voya denies LTD insurance claims include:
Insufficient medical evidence
Insurers require substantial documentation before approving LTD benefits. If medical evidence is missing or inadequate, denial is a virtual certainty. Your attorney knows the documentation that is necessary to prove your claim.
Following your doctor’s treatment plan to the letter is also critical. Do not skip appointments; follow through with physical therapy and other recommended treatments.
Pre-existing condition
Insurance companies often deny claims based on pre-existing conditions. Usually, if you have received benefits from your employer for more than one year, pre-existing conditions are not a reason for denial. Your attorney can help.
Definition of disability not met
Your Voya LTD policy defines what it considers a disability. That is why it is critical to read your LTD policy thoroughly.
Patients with mental illness or chronic pain are often subject to denial of benefits due to not meeting the policy’s requirements. These “invisible” conditions are more likely to be denied in contrast with physical injuries that show up on X-rays and MRIs.
Voya surveillance
Like other insurers, Voya may use employees or private investigators to conduct surveillance on clients claiming LTD. Measures such as monitoring social media posts or having investigators stake out your premises are part of this. The goal is to catch you doing something your application claims you cannot physically do.
For instance, you may have severe back issues and are prohibited from doing any heavy lifting. An investigator may try to catch you taking grocery bags into the house or picking up a child.
You might post a photo on social media of yourself engaged in sports or some other physical activity taken before your disability. It does not matter that the image is not current and has nothing to do with your long-term disability. The insurer will want you to explain the situation. Avoid posting or commenting on social media or change your settings so that only trusted people can view your posts.
Voya thinks you can work
Even if your doctor states you cannot perform your job, the insurer might argue that you still can. You have turned in medical evidence, including your doctor’s statement. However, Voya’s medical reviewers may decide that your issue does not limit your ability to work. You receive a denial letter even though a physician who has examined and diagnosed you in person says you cannot work, versus Voya’s employees or consultants who have only reviewed your paperwork.
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We Protect Your Rights to Voya Financial Disability Insurance Benefits
Marc Whitehead & Associates helps claimants in all 50 states who need to appeal unfairly denied disability claims, filing initial applications for LTD benefits, and all manner of disability insurance disputes with Voya.
Our team will address your disability claim dispute in the following ways:
- Examine your group or individual disability insurance policy and analyze the reasons Voya denied the claim, in light of applicable federal or state laws;
- Explain the legal options that are available to you, and create a plan that you are comfortable with; you will be able to make an informed decision about how you choose to move forward;
- If you retain us as your attorneys, we will develop the best possible case to prove disability and successfully appeal the denial, and to secure payment of all disability benefits that are rightfully yours;
- If Voya Financial continues to deny the disability claim, we pursue the claim in court. We are highly experienced in handling disability insurance litigation cases that fall under both federal ERISA law and state insurance laws.
Working with long-term disability attorneys who know the processes, deadlines, expectations and laws significantly raise your chances for success. Please view our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
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Contact Us to Discuss your Voya Financial Disability Claim
We began helping people with their disability claims and appeals in 1992. Our law firm is honored to count thousands of individuals as our respected clients and friends.
Whether any insurance company acts in good faith and pays a valid claim is a business decision. If Voya or other insurer decides not to play fair, dedicated legal help is just a phone call away at 800-562-9830.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form