Navigating Insurance Communications

This August we aimed our focus on navigating communications with insurance companies, particularly interviews and requests for updated information in long term disability claims. At Riemer Hess, we understand the nuances of these interactions and are dedicated to guiding our clients through effective communication strategies

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A Community of Shared Experiences

In "Peer Perspectives," we delve into tips our clients want to share about handling communications with insurance companies.

August’s Insights: Navigating Insurance Communication

Q: Preparing for Meetings: What are your key preparation tips for important meetings related to your disability claim?

• “Review your original application for insurance, timeline of medical events, be honest but do not digress in conversation. Be aware of surveillance around the time of these meetings/interviews.” - Anonymous
• “I always keep a copy of my policies available and prepare my points before any in advance.” - Anonymous
• "Listen to your attorney and take notes as they prepare you for any insurer interview.  The attorneys have sat through many of these and often know what the insurers will ask.  Lean on their experience to help prepare you as best as possible.  Review your notes before the interview.  It will pay off." - Anonymous
  
  These insights offer practical strategies for effectively communicating with insurers, highlighting the importance of being prepared and organized.

Spotlight of the Month: Exciting Updates 
We are excited to announce that we have developed a new relationship with the highly respected Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. of De Caro & Kaplen, LLP. With over 40 years of experience in personal injury and malpractice law, Michael is a well-renowned attorney with a deep understanding of traumatic brain injury (TBI). His expertise is recognized nationwide, having been chosen as a Preferred Attorney by the Brain Injury Association of America and serving as immediate past chair of the New York State Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordinating Council. Michael also teaches the only course on TBI law in the nation at George Washington University Law School.

Recently, our partner attorney Scott Riemer had the pleasure of catching up with Michael over a round of golf. To their surprise, they ended up playing with none other than Yankee legend Bernie Williams! While the day on the course was unforgettable, we are most excited about this new relationship. This partnership enhances our ability to support our clients dealing with TBIs, with Michael’s firm deeply involved in TBI education and advocacy. We are confident that our collaboration with Michael will help us provide the dedication, expertise, and compassion our clients deserve.

At Riemer Hess, we are committed to providing valuable resources to our clients, especially those dealing with complex issues like Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in the context of Long Term Disability (LTD) claims. Earlier this year, we launched our TBI Disability Center, a dedicated space designed to offer support, insights, and guidance for those impacted by TBI. Whether you're navigating a TBI yourself or supporting a loved one, our TBI Disability Center is here to help you understand the intricate aspects of LTD claims related to TBI.

Click below to visit our Riemer Hess TBI Disability Center today to learn more about TBIs and how they can impact long term disability claims.

Effective Communication with Your Insurance Company

Navigating communication with your insurance company is crucial for a successful claim. Here are our favorite tips:

1. Use Strategic Ambiguity: Avoid making definitive statements about your abilities or limitations unless necessary, to maintain flexibility in your claim.  When describing your limitations, use ranges (like "10 to 20 minutes") instead of specific numbers. This prevents insurers from misconstruing occasional variances as dishonesty or boxing you into a specific answer.
   
   
2. Balance Your Details: Provide sufficient information to support your claim, but avoid unnecessary specifics that could be used inappropriately.
   
   
3. Maintain Consistency: Ensure your communication aligns with your medical records and other supporting documents.  Insurers see inconsistencies as red flags.
   
   
4. Respond Promptly and Organized: Timely, well-structured responses show the seriousness of your claim and help keep the process smooth.
   
   
5. Keep a Professional Tone: A respectful and professional tone in all communications establishes a positive rapport with your insurer.
   
   
6. Avoid Over-sharing: Stick to relevant information. Providing too much detail can complicate your claim.
   
   
7. Manage Emotional Responses: Keep communications factual and try to manage emotional responses that might cloud judgment.  If you are having trouble, try to step away and take a break.

Effective Communication in Complex Situations

As we focus on "Navigating Insurance Communications" in August, it's crucial to have resources that guide effective and strategic interactions, especially in the context of long term disability claims. This month, we recommend a book that provides insights into mastering the art of communication in challenging scenarios.

“Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler 

About the Book: "Crucial Conversations" offers guidance on how to engage in high-stakes discussions where opinions vary, and emotions run strong. The authors provide techniques for effective communication that can lead to successful outcomes, even in tough situations. The book covers how to prepare for high-impact conversations, how to handle them in real-time, and how to ensure they lead to positive results. It's filled with practical advice and real-world examples that make it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their communication skills.

Why It’s Relevant: For clients dealing with long term disability claims, communicating effectively with insurance companies is often crucial. "Crucial Conversations" is particularly relevant as it provides strategies for navigating these important discussions. Whether it's a phone call, an interview, or a written correspondence, the techniques outlined in the book can help clients communicate their needs and perspectives clearly and confidently.

Why You Might Find It Inspiring: The book empowers readers to approach difficult conversations with a plan and the skills necessary to be persuasive and effective. It teaches how to stay calm under pressure and how to navigate conversations to a successful conclusion. For anyone who feels daunted by the prospect of communicating with insurance companies, "Crucial Conversations" offers not just strategies, but also the confidence to handle these interactions effectively.

In August, as we navigate the complexities of insurance communications, let "Crucial Conversations" be your guide to mastering these crucial interactions.

 September: “Back-to-School Strategies” 

Riemer Hess wants to know: For those balancing parenthood and a disability claim, how do you manage the back-to-school season?

Share your insights anonymously by clicking the Microsoft forms link below.

Mastering Communication with Insurers 

As we wrap up August, let's focus on developing and refining our communication skills with insurance companies. Riemer Hess is here to support you in these crucial interactions, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.

Looking Ahead to September

Next month, we will focus on "Back-to-School: Managing Multiple Roles." Your experiences in balancing different aspects of life while handling a disability claim will be greatly valued.

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