If you are deciding where to purchase a long term disability insurance policy, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of choices. Two popular options for long term disability policies include Aetna and Cigna.

Aetna vs. Cigna Overview

Aetna and Cigna are both American healthcare companies that offer a variety of health insurance policies for consumers. Most of these plans are offered through employers or group coverage.

Aetna was founded in 1853 and covers approximately 39 million members. Cigna was formed in 1982 and claims to cover 180 million customer and patient relationships. Both companies offer insurance policies including medical, dental, and disability.

How Do Cigna and Aetna Long Term Disability Work?

Long term disability policies allow employees who become disabled to continue collecting a percentage of their paycheck during the time they are unable to work. While short term disability policies may cover injuries or illnesses that last for a few months, long term disability insurance may cover anywhere from six months to ten years.

In some cases, the coverage may last even longer. Long term disability plans generally have an elimination period, or a period of time before you become eligible to receive benefits. For Aetna and Cigna, this elimination period is six months, or 180 days. Both long term disability programs allow employees to collect up to 60 percent of their usual monthly earnings while enrolled.

While many young people may not see a disability policy as being a worthwhile type of insurance, according to Cigna approximately 25% of today’s 20 year olds will become disabled before reaching the age of retirement. Additionally, approximately 5.6% of workers in the U.S. experience a short term disability every year due to injuries, illnesses, or becoming pregnant. Unfortunately, less than 50% of working Americans have enough money saved up to support themselves for three months if they become unable to work. Whether you choose Aetna vs. Cigna, planning ahead and choosing a disability policy may pay off in the event that you are unexpectedly unable to work for several months or years.

The types of disability covered by your plan may vary depending on the insurance provider you choose. Some of the most common long term disability injuries and illnesses include arthritis, degenerative joint diseases, lower back strains, and neck strains.

Other common conditions that qualify for disability benefits may include cancer, COPD, epilepsy, heart failure, lupus, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, sickle cell, mental health issues including depression or anxiety, spinal cord disorders, and digestive issues such as gastritis or hernias.

Aetna vs. Cigna: How Long Does the LTD Insurance Last?

While short term disability may provide coverage for people who are unable to work for up to six months, long term disability covers a much longer period of time. Some long term disability insurance policies may cover the employee until the age of retirement, 65.

The average amount of time that an employee who becomes disabled and qualifies for long term disability will be unable to work is two and a half years. How long you will be eligible to receive coverage depends on your plan, your condition, and your level of disability. Age may also be a factor. Generally, the younger you are when you become disabled, the longer you may qualify to receive disability benefits.

Aetna vs. Cigna: Which One Should You Choose?

Consumers may want to evaluate several factors when determining whether Aetna vs. Cigna is the right insurance provider for their needs. These factors may include what types of disability are covered under each policy, the cost of the policies, and any additional resources included with the plans. In addition to offering health coverage, many policies also offer other benefits and perks.

Cigna long term disability insurance offers 30 days of expert money coaching to help newly disabled employees make choices about their financial planning, as well as counseling over the phone or in person. Cigna also offers discounts for policyholders on health and wellness services such as vision care, hearing care, diet programs, fitness centers, acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care.

In May 2020, Cigna added another perk for members when the company announced it had partnered with the online company Talkspace. Talkspace is an online therapy company that matches patients with therapists, and allows them to communicate regularly over text, or through scheduled video calls. Cigna members are now able to use their Cigna coverage to connect with a Talkspace therapist, rather than paying out of pocket.

Aetna offers a program to assist employees with their return to work if they recover from their disability, and works with your employer and doctors to come up with a plan for you to safely do your job. Additionally, in September 2020 it was announced that commercial Aetna members will be given access to a free one-year subscription to Apple Fitness+. The app works with iPhones and Apple watches, and lets users keep track of their workouts and overall health.

Another recent perk offered by Aetna to some of the company’s members are Caring for You kits. In September 2020, the insurance provider announced that it would be sending boxes of curated items to all Aetna Medicare Advantage members in the U.S. These kits include items to help members combat regular cold and flu illnesses, in addition to the coronavirus. The company stated that they will include a thermometer, hand sanitizer, and face masks.

Applying for long term disability benefits may be a confusing process, especially when navigating a new disability. Hiring a qualified attorney to assist you through the process may make it easier for you to obtain the disability benefits you need.

A disability benefits attorney may be able to help you gather the documentation required to support your claims, submit applications and evidence on time, and file any appeals if needed. Many first time disability benefits applications are denied, making it important to have an advocate by your side to persuade insurance companies to take your case seriously.

Get Help With Your Long Term Disability Insurance Appeal

If an insurance company denied your long-term disability insurance claim within the past 180 days, a knowledgeable insurance attorney can help you appeal.

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