Short Term Disability Question

I've tried searching for an answer but have not had much success in finding something that pertained to my situation.

My first procedure is at the end of May.  I started filling out the paperwork for STD and was surprised to find out when I talked to the people at the Hartford they said it might be excluded.  In going back and forth with the bene admin for my company - it's not excluded BUT it may not qualify as a disability.

Anyone have STD with the Hartford  (I realize every policy may be different) that can provide some insight so I know what to expect other than it may or may not be covered?

I'm looking for odds I guess - this sort of caught me by surprise.  My back up plan is to use my vacation time for two weeks after each procedure and work from home in between.  I think my company would be understanding about it.

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Lisa

I don't have the Hartford but was able to get mine covered thru MetLife. The key is that the procedure has to be considered reconstructive and medically necessary for them to cover it under disablity. They are like most insurance companies and won't cover any Plastic Surgery.

Not sure what prodedure you're having done but I only tried for the STD for my LBL/Panni removal and was very careful in always saying it was reconstructive surgery & medically necessary (never uses the Plastic surgery word). My Dr. also submitted info to them detailing that it was medically necessary.

Good luck to you.

Sonya

Lisa, I've used The Hartford for my businesses' STD, LTD and AD&D coverages for about 12 years.  As you said, coverages may differ, and I've never tried to have an elective cosmetic procedure covered, but the coverage we have for STD does not go into effect until you have been disabled for two weeks. It picks up at 60% of gross salary from the 15th day and goes for 13 weeks; then the LTD kicks in. ( There is also a provision in our coverage that if the employer pays the premium, the disability payments will be taxable at filing time.  However, if the employee pays the premium, it is non-taxable.) Anyway,  I wonder if your projected recovery time for your procedure is not long enough for the coverage to kick in?

Terri

I know about the 10 days thing, the other carrier we had made me do that for my hysterectomy.  But I was with a different company for my RNY and STD started my first day off of work.  (I miss that benefit  not the company though).

My time off is going to go from 5/27 through 7/26 so it's long enough for STD to kick in.  

They're saying it does not qualify as a disability per their definition.

I had my surgery in December and I was granted FMLA for 9 weeks and STD for 9 weeks.
I don't have Hartford!  Sorry!