Aetna
Short Term Disability Claim Denied Despite Doctors' Documentation

I have been fighting Aetna since April for denying my short term disability claims. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety attacks by my primary care doctor, a cardiologist as well as a licensed Psychiatrist and therapist. Despite all the medical paperwork sent to Aetna they continually denied my claim stating " no evidence has been received that verifies my inability to perform the functions of my job"

I filed an appeal on 8/17. On the 45th day they sent me a letter stating they needed hospital records from my emergency room visit on 3/31/10. They stated this gave them an extension of another 45 days to decision my appeal. They had my authority already to request whatever records they wanted. The hospital confirmed that they had never requested them. I had to obtain them in person and fax them to them. On 10/26 they sent an additional letter stating that they now wanted my records from the cardiologist claiming I said I was being treated by him in my appeal letter. My letter did not indicate this at all.

I am finished trying to deal with them alone. They are simply using stall tactics to avoid paying me. My response was that they should follow proper procedures for obtaining whatever records they need.

I am in the process of hiring an attorney to sue them for lost wages as well as the pain and suffering they have caused myself and my children. I have been forced to rely on what little help my family could provide to me to keep a roof over our heads. I also had to apply for food stamps, medical assistance (mainly to be able to continue therapy and to see a Psychiatrist) and temporary cash assistance.

If anyone knows of a firm who handles these cases please post a comment.

Company: Aetna
Country: USA
State: Connecticut
City: Hartford
Address: 151 Farmington Ave

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