At-risk populations

How COVID-19 Highlighted Ways We Can Improve Social Services

For decades, asset limits have presented difficulties for individuals with disabilities. These limitations across public assistance programs often lock individuals out of better opportunities. In the face of the coronavirus and its devastating economic consequences, these limitations have been particularly troubling. For example, 60.5% of households where a person with a disability resides are considered…

The benefits of disability insurance

Quick Guide on the Causes of Disability Insurance Claims and Benefits

A disability – whether an injury, illness, or affliction – can be debilitating for people in any occupation. And they’re very hard to predict, meaning that someone can get hurt on or off the job anytime, anywhere. That’s where disability insurance comes in. Disability insurance ensures that you won’t suffer financially, should you become temporarily…

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…

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 - 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…

Disability can happen - a personal story

Disability can Happen – But Preparation Makes all the Difference

After Cris Martin discovered a lump on her chest wall, she went into self-advocacy mode – and learned several lessons along the way, including the importance of taking early action, and having group and supplemental individual disability coverage with a good carrier. Three years ago, my life was exactly the way it was supposed to…