Research: Data and insights from the CDA

Practical Learnings from the MetLife Annual Employee Benefit Trends Study 2021

By Carol Harnett I recently had the privilege of hosting a podcast with Missy Plohr-Memming from The Council for Disability Awareness’ member company MetLife. Missy is a senior vice president of MetLife’s group benefits national accounts sales organization where she oversees sales strategy and growth initiatives. We talked about the 19th Annual Employee Benefit Trends Study…

Making Education More Accessible for Students With Disabilities

Making Education More Accessible for Students of All Abilities

Access to quality education means everything to the personal and professional growth of our students. Without accessibility, equal access to resources, and proper support from school leaders, teachers, and staff, some students are deprived of the opportunity to thrive. Students with disabilities are significantly affected by gaps in the school system. The most recent example…

Family Matters - Pregnancy and health insurance

Health Insurance and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

This article originally appeared on the American Fidelity blog.   From buying diapers to creating a birth plan, there’s a lot to prepare for when you’re expecting a child. While you probably won’t be gifted health insurance at a baby shower, it’s still a vital part of your pregnancy experience. Understanding your coverage can help…

Family Matters - Caregivers and Paid Family Medical Leave

A “Return to Normal” Won’t be Good Enough for Caregivers

By John J. (“Jamie”) Kalamarides, President, Prudential Group Insurance People with disabilities and their caregivers deserve better than a return to the status quo. Now is the time to put the combined strengths of our government and private sector to work as we look to address the need for Paid Family Medical Leave and build…

Family Matters - The Impact of the SSDI Application Process on Applicants, Caregivers and Families

The Impact of the SSDI Application Process on Applicants, Caregivers and Families

By Missy Biggs Applicants, caregivers, and families experience unexpected support and  frustrations during the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits application process. On the one hand, each family member (including a spouse, divorced spouse, children, and adult children disabled before age 22) may be eligible for a monthly benefit of up to 50 percent of the disability benefit amount.…

Mental health - preventing burnout in employees

Employers Can Begin to Address Burnout in the American Workforce

By:Tracey Ferstler, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Claims and Operations, MetLife   The topic of mental health took on an entirely new meaning in 2021. After a year of uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, employees and employers alike are focusing more closely on mental wellness and burnout. Employee anxiety, depression and burnout are at…

Disability insurance is income protection

Three Lessons I Learned Through Postpartum Depression

By Diane Russell, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategy, Lincoln Financial Group If you have children, you know there’s no shortage of advice from family, friends and sometimes even strangers. Yet, mothers dealing with postpartum depression often feel like they have no one to talk to about what they’re going through. At least, that’s…