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Just In Case: 7 Steps to Make the Claims Process Easier

Dealing with the aftermath of an illness or injury is both physical and financial. While you’re receiving treatment and getting healthy, you may incur new medical costs in addition to costs for childcare, hospital parking, and other “extras” associated with your healthcare incident. And your usual bills still need to get paid, too. What if you can’t work and lose income?

Cash benefits to the rescue

That’s why you have supplemental insurance, after all. Major medical insurance typically pays directly to providers. Supplemental policy benefits are paid directly to you—and you can use the cash however you see fit. The cash can be put toward meeting your insurance deductibles, buying groceries, or paying the babysitter.

So what does it take to get cash benefits into your hands without delay?

It’s in the details

At Combined Insurance, we know that claims need to be paid in a timely manner. That’s why we strive to pay covered claims after receipt of all documents necessary to pay the claim. In order to process claims quickly, we need specific information that you can help provide.

Here are some ways to keep the claims process moving: 

1. Prepare yourself

Decide to start some of this work before the unexpected happens, so you’re ready to file your claim with complete and accurate information.  Make sure you have your policy numbers written down and stored somewhere you can access them in a pinch.

2. Know what’s covered

Review your supplemental insurance policy and be sure you know exactly what’s covered. It’s a good idea to look at your major medical policy to gain a more comprehensive picture of your coverage.

3. Browse a claims form

Read through an actual claims form to make sure you understand what information you would need to provide should a payable claim occur.

When the unexpected happens

We all hope you won’t suffer a covered event, but if you do qualify to receive policy benefits you’ll be glad you took steps 1-3. Now you’re ready to file your claim.

4. Fill out the claim forms

Once you have itemized medical bills for hospitalizations, surgeries, etc. that clearly indicate dates of service as well as your name and address, you should be ready to go.

Be prepared to provide the following details for each claim:

  • Physician information, including name, address and phone number
  • Dates and locations of treatment
  • Description of symptoms
  • Diagnostic codes
  • A police report (if applicable)
  • Description of how, where and when an accident occurred (if applicable)
  • Admission and discharge dates, if hospitalized
  • Dates of total and/or partial disability (for disability claims)

You can file online, by phone, by mail or by fax.  Regardless of your chosen method, give your complete name and current mailing address, because that’s where all payments and/or correspondence will be sent.

5. Promptly respond to requests for “Additional Information”

Sometimes additional details are needed to expedite the claim request, so be sure to sign and date the Authorization to Release Information on your claim form. Be sure to have your doctor complete the Attending Physician’s Statement and ask your employer to complete the Employer’s Statement, if you are claiming disability.

6. For your records

After you’ve submitted your claim, keep copies of all the documents related to the incident, including bills, invoices, and completed claim forms.  If you mailed them, note the date.

7. Stay in touch

You may have questions about your claim. Combined Insurance makes it easy for you to get real-time updates on your claim at the self-service portal on our website—just type in your claim number. Or, give us a call for an update.

For more information, visit our online policyholder center.