Am I Wrong?

**cmdarlin** · 07-29-2008, 09:44 AM

Yesterday, DH received a letter from the short-term disability company he had when working for his last employer. (They had terminated him on July 5th because he wasn't released to go back to work)

The letter said that he had been approved for benefits thru August 14th and at that time they would need more information from his doctor. They also sent him a check for the past three weeks. Now this check would be a godsend but I don't feel we can deposit it though DH says its their problem. No... its gonna be our problem if they come back wanting reimbursement.

We have never received information on continuing this insurance, just the medical he had. I suggested he call the lawyer we were assigned and talk to him. While it would be great to have some income right now, and not have to worry about the electric being turned off in two weeks, I feel we'd be better off not cashing it before we know.

I'm right? Aren't I??

Debbie

**suki** · 07-29-2008, 09:51 AM

Hold off on cashing it until you know. But, you should be able to find out today. If the premium was already paid, then you likely are covered. Just call them and ask for clarification.

**The Muse** · 07-29-2008, 09:53 AM

That's a tough one. Do you have a copy of the policy?

Since the check covers a period prior to the August 14 cutoff, I'm inclined to say it's fine since injury is the reason he's out of work.

But if you're in doubt, cashing it could be more trouble than it's worth if they ask for it back. I probably wouldn't cash it if I wasn't sure.

**FrugalMomof3** · 07-29-2008, 10:23 AM

I wouldnt cash it just yet, but call around to get clarification that you can cash the check or are entitled to it.

**Greebo** · 07-29-2008, 10:34 AM

Get clarification and confirmation. It might not really be yours, and you don't need them screaming at you to pay them back this minute on top of everything else right now.

**suki** · 07-29-2008, 10:40 AM

It's important to understand that these insurance policies are not dependent upon a relationship with the employer to remain in effect as some health policies are. If the payments were quarterly, it's possible he's paid for the quarter... or annually, he's paid for the year. They are often very inexpensive and that could be what happened.

The best answer will come from the company carrying the coverage. Just call them and ask them the pertinent questions about premiums, coverage, etc. Be sure to write down the name and title of the person you spoke with along with the date, time and your notes.

**cmdarlin** · 07-29-2008, 11:05 AM

Thank you for your responses and Suki, I've made a list of questions he needs to ask. I hope we get answers we want to hear. Will post later on what we find out.

Thank you everyone,
Debbie

**JustMegan79** · 07-29-2008, 11:32 AM

I agree with Suki, often times the payment is made in advance, such as if he paid for x number of months, the first month (or six or whatever) may have been a non usable waiting period, leaving you with extra policy left over. If that makes sense. Keep us updated after the call to the company!

Good Luck!

**MTS04** · 07-29-2008, 11:41 AM

I would also wait, cashing that check might mean you are waving some of your rights regarding his injury. Meaning: they might infer that you are regarding it as a settlement of sorts. Definitely seek legal counsel regarding the check.

**dolphin** · 07-29-2008, 12:01 PM

I hope it works out in your favor and you get to keep it. Hugs, Carolyn

**angrypuppy** · 07-29-2008, 12:52 PM

I am licensed to sell insurance ( life and disability ). That being said, get clarification from somebody other than me.

You should be fine cashing the check. Most short term dissability plans have a clause that waives premium as soon as an illness/injury happens. Also most employers chose to provide actual insurance and not self insure.

So once the event happens you recieve the benifit regardless of employment and no longer have to pay the premium. Lots/most policies state that you must be under the care of a doctor to continue to recieve the benifit. So the doctor request you recieved is probably just trying to make sure you are still elligble/dissabled based on the plan.

If it was me I would cash the check. I would hate to give bad advice so get another opinion.

**prftstrngr** · 07-29-2008, 01:05 PM

I'd wait sis.... last thing you need is to owe more money! And once its spent it isnt like you have the resources to get it back right now!! hang in there...get the answers...one more day isnt going to hurt.

**mombottoo** · 07-29-2008, 01:13 PM

You paid the premiums and even though they terminated him he would still qualify for benefits because the injury happened while he was still insured.

Cash the check and hope they keep sending them...

**frugalnana** · 07-29-2008, 02:25 PM

If you have an attorney I would call and ask if its ok to cash it?
My ex had short term also and he got a check and cashed it without any problems, but its always good to be safe. He also has MS and was approved last year for Social Security Disability. He was disapproved the first time and within a few months of disapproval he was approved. Good luck and you and your family are in my thoughts.

**cmdarlin** · 07-29-2008, 08:10 PM

Well, I made DH call the short term disability company and we can cash the check! Apparently the company had paid him up till August 28th. To see about continuing the coverage we have to contact his ex-employer. We can expect checks until the 14th and then the doctor will have to provide further documentation proving that DH can't work due to the MS.

I can breathe a little now.... I'll be able to make his Medicaid spend down payment and won't have to worry about my electric getting shut off this month. My stomach is actually calm for the first time in a month.

Debbie