More on Disability Insurance for Physicians

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Some Advice from a Doctor, Insurance Agent and Financial Advisor

Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA CMP™

www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

[Publisher-in-Chief]

Policies Are Harder to Get, More Expensive, and Offer Less Protection Than Before

Due principally to large claims from anesthesiologists, surgeons, emergency room physicians, and trial attorneys, disability insurance underwriting is becoming stricter. Among the effects on policyholders: revised definitions of disability; restriction of benefits to two years on so-called “soft tissue” disabilities and mental and nervous disorders; and downgrading of professionals to the general white-collar category. The result is higher premiums.

Buy a Good Individual Policy

Based upon the fact that disability is the only insurance product on the market that is non-cancelable (premiums and policy features are locked in until age 65), my advice is to buy a good quality individual policy as early as possible and hang on to it. Group benefits should be added later. Also, many group plans only include straight salary in compensation. Incentive compensation, which makes up a large portion of an executive’s compensation, is not considered. Under the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993, employee disability benefits can only cover up to $150,000 in compensation. Finally, don’t forget that if the employer pays the premiums, benefits are taxable. This can substantially reduce an executive’s disability income.

Pay More for Non-Cancelable Coverage

I also may recommend paying a 15–20% higher premium to obtain non-cancelable coverage, if available, as compared to guaranteed renewable coverage. In both cases, coverage cannot be canceled. However, in the latter case, premiums can be increased on a class basis. Also, investigate the partial-disability benefits as well as the residual benefits after returning to work.

Note: “Your Disability Is Your Opportunity,” by Jaberta C. Evans, Dow Jones Investment Advisor, December 1996, pp. 76–80, Dow Jones Financial Publishing Corp., [908] 389-8700.)

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8 Responses

  1. Reservation of Rights

    Some disability inasurance claims are paid with “Reservation of Rights”.
    So, you ask yourself doctor – what is this and what does it mean?

    http://www.physiciansnews.com/2011/06/10/%E2%80%9Creservation-of-rights%E2%80%9D-in-disability-insurance-claims-right-or-wrong/

    Graham

    Like

  2. What to watch for in disability policy language

    If you’re shopping for disability insurance – or reviewing your existing coverage – be sure you carefully read your proposed/current policy’s definition of disability.

    http://www.physbiztech.com/how-to/what-watch-disability-insurance-policy-language?email=MARCINKOADVISORS@MSN.COM&GroupID=116654

    As an insurance agent, allow me to caution colleagues that such language could make a difference in whether a policy will pay a claim; especially for physicians.

    Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA
    http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

    Like

  3. The DI Skeptic

    Read why Dave Mokotoff MD is skeptical of the growing number of disability beneficiaries.

    http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2013/03/skeptical-growing-number-disability-beneficiaries.html

    Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA
    http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

    Like

  4. Dr. Marcinko,

    Remember, doctor employer sponsored disability insurance often covers only your salary and not bonus or commission income, honoraria, royalty checks, speaking fees etc., which means your benefits could be much lower than what you’re actually bringing home.

    Fred

    Like

  5. Beware Colleagues!

    Will Your Disability Insurance Be There When You Need It?

    http://www.physicianspractice.com/articles/will-your-disability-insurance-be-there-when-you-need-it-not-necessarily-0

    Not Necessarily.

    Hope Rachel Hetico RN MHA

    Like

  6. More on DI

    Do Financial Incentives Induce Disability Insurance Recipients to Return to Work?

    http://www.nber.org/bah/2013no2/w19016.html

    An essay by Andreas Kostol and Magne Mogstad.

    Hope Rachel Hetico RN MHA

    Like

  7. Waiting on a Social Security disability appeal?

    Some unfortunate doctors and FAs must rely on SS disability benefits to survive. More usually FAs suggest, and doctors exam and sign / decline attestation statements for their patients.

    http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/waiting-on-a-social-security-disability-appeal-get-in-line-a-very-long-line/ar-BB9Sstr

    But, do you know how difficult this benefit is to receive?
    Get in line. A very long line.

    Carlyle

    Like

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