What Is Blue Cross?

Blue Cross is a non-profit insurance agency with its headquarters in Moncton, New Brunswick and is affiliated with the Canadian Association of Blue Cross plans. Blue Cross provides group benefits to many public sector employees and does not offer individual disability insurance plans.

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How Do I Know If I Have Been Disabled?

If you are unable to work as a result of your disability, you are likely entitled to long term disability benefits. The precise definition of “disabled” will be laid out in your policy and it is important to read these terms closely.

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How Can I Submit A Disability Claim With Blue Cross?

Blue Cross provides several ways you can apply for disability benefits. Disability claims can be submitted online using Blue Cross’s Member Services Site, and documents can be submitted as image files. Blue Cross also offers a mobile application called Medavie Mobile which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. You can also submit your disability benefits claim through the mail, and the relevant forms are available on the Blue Cross website.

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Regardless of how you submit your disability claim to Blue Cross, there are three important forms you need to be aware of. Double check that all forms are filled out correctly before submitting. Disability insurance companies will happily deny your claim if you have not submitted precise information.

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Application For Benefits Employee’s Statement

This is a form for you to fill out and will ask you for, among other things, the following information:

· Date and details of accident, if applicable

· Any current treatment you are receiving

· Medications you are currently taking

· Why your condition is preventing you from working

· Name and contact for your treating physician

· Other sources of disability benefits (CPP-D or WCB, for example)

· Education

· Work history

You will also be asked to authorize Blue Cross to access your medical records for the purpose of evaluating your claim.

Application For Benefits Employer’s Statement

This form is to be filled out by your employer and will detail the following information:

· Information about your position and job demands

· Mobility and strength requirements for your position

· Description of your work environment

Even though your employer fills out this form, you will still need to read it over and certify that the description is a true and accurate account of your regular work duties. Be sure to read this section over closely and raise any concerns you have with your employer.

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Attending Physician Statement

This form is to be filled out by your treating physician. Your signature will be required on this form to authorize the release of this medical information. The physician will be asked to provide information about the following:

· A history of present conditions

· Any factors affecting recovery

· Management plan

· Estimated time for recovery

Building a winning disability claim with BlueCross requires a supportive physician statement. Your physician should be able to speak to how your disability is affecting your work. If your physician is unwilling or unable to fill out the attending physician statement, you may need to find a physician who will be supportive of your disability claim [hyperlink to “What happens if my doctor does not support my long-term disability claim?”]

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What Obligations Do I Have OnceI Have Submitted A Disability Claim to Blue Cross?

 Blue Cross is always looking for ways to deny or terminate long term disability benefits and one common reason they do so is if you fail to update them about changes in your medical conditions. Examples of changes that you may be required to notify Blue Cross of include any improvement in your medical condition, any return to work, and any entry into a training or rehabilitation program. You are also required to notify Blue Cross of any changes to your banking information.

Many insurance plans also require you to collaborate with your employer on a return to work plan. Read the terms of your policy carefully or have an experienced disability lawyer at Freedom DisabilityLawyers help you review your claim.

When And How Do I Get Paid If MyBlue Cross Disability Claim Is Successful?

Long term disability claims are subject to an“elimination period,” which is the time between when you became disabled and when your long term disability benefit payments start. This allows Blue Cross time to evaluate your claim.

If your claim is approved, you will be paid via direct deposit on a monthly basis. The disability benefits you receive will be a percentage of your monthly income. It is important that you provide BlueCross with updated banking information.

What Do I Do If My Blue Cross Disability Claim Is Denied?

‍Having your disability claim denied is difficult, but it is not the end of the road. Blue Cross will present you with the reasons why they denied your claim and you have the chance to appeal it [hyperlink to “What is a long term disability internal appeal?”].

If your long term disability claim has been denied by Blue Cross, it may be worth contacting the experienced disability lawyers at Freedom Disability Lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Get Support With Your Blue Cross Disability Claim

 While Blue Cross may provide you with convenient methods for submitting your disability benefits claim, like all disability insurance companies, they are well-practiced in denying incomplete or flawed claims. Understanding what Blue Cross is looking for in a disability benefits claim is critical to building a winning claim.

Freedom Disability Lawyers only practice in the area of disability. We are dedicated to our clients. You can learn more about how we handle disability claims here [hyperlink to FDL article about disability claims]. If you are in need of legal advice or representation for your disability benefits claim, we serve clients in Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Contact us today [contact hyperlink] and tell us more about your claim – we are here to help!

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