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.)
Conclusion
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Filed under: "Ask-an-Advisor", "Doctors Only", CMP Program, Insurance Matters, Op-Editorials | Tagged: CMP, david marcinko, Disability Insurance Physicians, www.certifiedmedicalplanner.com |

















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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Update Disability Insurance
An Essay To Help Docs and Biz Owner Clients Avoid Taxes.
http://www.financial-planning.com/30-days-30-ways-2013/disability-insurance-help-business-owner-clients-avoid-taxes-2687556-1.html?ET=financialplanning:e15842:86235a:&st=email&gpt_units=/30Days30Ways/November
Richmond
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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
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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
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