Navigating Life Insurance and Long-Term Care Denials with Empathy

Navigating disability insurance claims can be daunting.

Let Audrey Dolmovich & Noah Breazeale guide you with empathy and expertise

on the latest Good Neighbor Podcast episode!

Navigating the complex world of disability insurance claims can be daunting, especially when dealing with both ERISA and non-ERISA claims, life insurance denials, and long-term care denials. In a recent episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, hosts Audrey Dolmovich and Noah Breazeale from Eric Buchanan & Associates provide listeners with invaluable insights into this intricate legal landscape. With a combined experience of over a decade, these seasoned attorneys delve into the nuances of disability claims and share their empathetic approach to client advocacy.

Audrey and Noah kick off the episode by discussing their professional journeys and personal stories that have shaped their empathetic approach to client advocacy. Audrey, who has been with the firm for seven years, and Noah, who has been part of the team for five years, emphasize the importance of treating every case with the same care as if they were advising family members. This client-centered approach ensures that clients feel heard and supported throughout the legal process.

The episode then transitions into a detailed exploration of ERISA and non-ERISA disability claims. Audrey and Noah break down the differences between employer-provided long-term disability policies and individual policies, highlighting the typical two-year "own occupation" coverage followed by the broader "any occupation" requirement. They discuss the challenges of proving disability for conditions lacking objective evidence, such as fibromyalgia, and emphasize the importance of thorough medical documentation.

One of the key takeaways from this discussion is the necessity of having treating provider support and thorough documentation, including functional capacity evaluations and independent medical examinations, to substantiate disability claims. Audrey and Noah stress the importance of gathering personal testimonies from family and co-workers to paint a comprehensive picture of the individual's condition. This holistic approach ensures that the insurance company understands that the claim represents a real person with real disabling conditions.

The episode also addresses the unique challenges faced by self-employed individuals dealing with conditions like neuropathy. Audrey and Noah explain how symptoms such as severe pain, stinging, burning, and difficulties with mobility can impact one's ability to work. They emphasize the critical role of legal assistance in collecting evidence to support disability claims, especially for self-employed individuals who may face additional hurdles in proving their disability.

Throughout the episode, Audrey and Noah underscore the importance of timely action in claim disputes. They explain that in ERISA claims, the record closes at the time of the final denial, meaning that once the insurance company issues a final denial, no additional evidence can be added to the record. This makes it crucial for individuals to seek legal assistance early in the claims process to ensure all necessary evidence is collected before the record closes.

In addition to discussing the technical aspects of disability claims, Audrey and Noah also highlight the emotional and psychological impact of dealing with insurance denials. They share how their firm’s client-centered approach, rooted in genuine concern and empathy, helps clients feel heard and supported. This approach not only aids in building a strong case but also provides clients with the emotional support they need during a challenging time.

The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to support local businesses in the Chattanooga area and to nominate their favorite local businesses to be featured on the show. This ties back to the core mission of the Good Neighbor Podcast, which is to bring awareness to locally owned and operated businesses and highlight the vital role they play in the community.

In summary, this episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast provides a comprehensive guide to navigating disability insurance claims, offering expert insights from Audrey Dolmovich and Noah Breazeale. Their empathetic approach, combined with their deep legal expertise, makes this episode a must-listen for anyone dealing with disability claims, life insurance denials, or long-term care denials. Whether you're an individual facing these challenges or a small business owner looking to support your community, this episode offers valuable takeaways that can help you navigate the complex world of disability insurance claims with confidence.