ERISA-Based Long Term Disability Benefit Claims & the Updated 2018 DOL Regulations

When an employer offers short and/or long term disability benefits as part of an ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) Welfare Benefit Plan, the laws and rules issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) including requirements for the processing of benefit claims, time parameters for when a decision must be rendered following the filing of a claim, and a claimant's rights upon denial of a claim apply. On November 18, 2015, the DOL proposed rules revising then existing ERISA Claim regulations pertaining to disability benefits (29 C.F.R. § 2650). The comment period ended January 19, 2016. The proposed regulations were created to align with the goals and protections afforded under the Affordable Care Act to assure more fairness in claims processing. The final provisions became effective April 1, 2018. 

This course, led by Barbara Comerford, examines the basics of ERISA Long Term Disability Insurance in Welfare Benefit Plans, and examines the effect of the new DOL regulations and the DOL's interpretation of those changes under the Code of Federal Regulations.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review the basics of ERISA LTD claims
2. Recognize the standards of review in ERISA LTD claims
3. Address the relevant DOL rules and Interpretation of the new Code of  Federal Regulation provisions affecting ERISA LTD benefit claims, and case law