​In the evolving landscape of workplace absences, disability claims have long been a cornerstone of employer policies. However, as leave programs such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), state-level unpaid job protection, and more recently Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) initiatives have expanded in scope and visibility, it is increasingly becoming these policies that are shaping the employee experience. While traditionally an employer’s disability policy was the key component of an employee’s time away from work, disability programs have become somewhat commoditized and are now viewed more as a starting point. Instead, leave programs that support a broader range of leave types and often provide richer benefits have become central to how employees perceive their workplace support during critical life events.

Do you remember the movie The Imitation Game? It’s a 2014 film where Benedict Cumberbatch plays Alan Turing, the brilliant mathematician whose work on breaking the Enigma code helped end World War II. What stuck out was Turing’s central question: Can machines think like humans? ​

​Partnership and open communication are the keys to maintaining a good relationship between the insurer and reinsurer. Like any strong relationship, this partnership is best when built on communication, transparency, open-mindedness and sharing in mutually beneficial efficiencies.

How short-term disability coverage complements PFML
​​As paid family and medical leave (PFML) laws expand across the US, more employees are covered for absences to recover from their own illness or injury, or care for a loved one. But short-term disability (STD) coverage is still a crucial employee benefit to provide.

For six decades, February has been declared “Heart Month” in the United States and Canada – a month dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, currently the number one cause of death in Americans and the second leading cause of death for Canadians.1

​Critical thinking is often defined as the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking. It involves the active processing of information, analysis of arguments, and evaluation of evidence to reach well-supported conclusions. While some individuals may seem naturally predisposed to critical thinking due to their cognitive styles or personality traits, research suggests that critical thinking skills can be cultivated and enhanced through structured training and practice. In the claims business critical thinking is an essential skill required by all claims professionals.

Did you know?
Former Railroad workers may be eligible for a Disability Annuity from the Railroad Retirement Board.

​Case Managers need to be aware of the warning signs called “red flags” that indicate a claim may be fraudulent. Such signs may indicate the need for closer scrutiny and further investigation during the claims handling process. The existence of more than one fraud indicator does not necessarily mean that a claim is fraudulent. Indicators of fraud may exist purely through coincidence in legitimate claims. Claims that raise concerns need to be examined carefully before final conclusions are drawn.

​Quicker might always be better when it comes to delivery of your fast-food order or your must-have item from Amazon. But when it comes to the “express claim” programs to expedite payment of life insurance and annuity death benefits, there are some important factors to consider.