How different types of disability insurance add value to your benefits mix

In general, there are two types of disability insurance: Short-term disability insurance helps employees immediately after an event, while long-term disability typically starts after six months and can last years. Plans can be offered on an employer-paid, contributory or voluntary basis at little or no cost to your company.  Some states also offer mandatory statutory plans that can also help protect employees in an event they suffer a disability.

Supporting employees when they need it most can mean everything – especially when the unexpected occurs.

Guardian believes that disability insurance should put people first, by managing the logistics of each claim quickly, efficiently, and with compassion.

Dedicated support for every type of claim

Claims are holistically reviewed, managed, and supported by our team of seasoned professionals, who each bring their own knowledge to make the employee experience a positive one, especially during a time that may be difficult for the employee.

Meet the team:

  • A claim case manager handles a claim from start to finish, and is trained to identify if and when additional support is needed from our clinical and vocational rehabilitation teams.

  • The Guardian in-house clinical team includes specialists in orthopedics, cardiology, gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, general surgery, neurosurgery, and more. This team can help evaluate each employee’s individual needs, then make supportive recommendations for the best possible outcome in collaboration with the employee’s physician.

  • Guardian’s Masters-level or PhD level nurse case managers and behavioral health case managers may also be asked for their perspective on recommendations for next steps.

  • Vocational rehabilitation counselors are engaged if needed to help determine accommodations and transitional work arrangements.

  • A network of board-certified practicing physicians is also available to the team to provide independent review when needed.

Helping businesses manage disability with other leave types

Versatile disability insurance options to meet the needs of you and your employees

We offer a wide variety of traditional and voluntary short- and long-term disability plans to meet your company’s unique needs and offer employees more choices:

  • Guardian Disability Income SelectTM- Employers can customize benefit amount, benefit duration, elimination period and more. Employees select the level of income replacement protection for their needs.
  • Guardian Supplemental Individual Disability Income insurance – Employers can offer as a voluntary benefit to keep costs down, as an employer-paid benefit, or a combination of both to complement a Group Long-Term Disability plan. Employees can obtain a higher level of income protection, with highly flexible terms.

Administrative Services Only (ASO) and Advice-to-Pay-services are available for employers who choose to self-fund their short-term disability plan. Our ASO and Advice-to-Pay options offer a variety of flexible plan, billing, and reporting solutions, with funding arrangements such as ASO direct billing that allow employers to hold on to their cash longer.

Disclaimer

1Income protection: the role of disability insurance in financial wellness, 2019

Guardian’s Group Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance is underwritten and issued by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY.  Products are not available in all states.  Policy limitations and exclusions apply.  Optional riders and/or features may incur additional costs. Plan documents are the final arbiter of coverage. This policy provides disability income insurance only.  It does NOT provide basic hospital, basic medical or major medical insurance as defined by the New York State Department of Financial Services.  LTD Policy Form # GP-1-LTD-15 and STD Policy Form # GP-1-STD-15. Individual disability income products underwritten and issued by Berkshire Life Insurance Company of America (BLICOA), Pittsfield, MA or provided by Guardian. BLICOA is a wholly owned stock subsidiary of and administrator for the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. Product provisions and availability may vary by state.

GUARDIAN® is a registered service mark of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® ©Copyright 2021 The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, N.Y.

[This advertising content is not currently intended for anyone in the state of New Mexico.]

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