The Hartford - Disability

I have been dealing with The Hartford for 3 years now. At first of course, it started on short term, when it was exhausted I submitted for LTD. I had absolutely no problems with any of the steps I had to take. I had a well-educated representative and made sure to submit all records requested by them. That is the large part of this company that I found to be the hardest, although it was just a call to all my doctors. I recently won SS disability also, so I will continue to receive benefits from The Hartford until 2028, as long as I'm still disabled. There was a new description of what disability is when applying and continuing for benefits, and if you are able to sit at a desk, stand for 30 mins at a time, lift 10 lbs, etc.

You basically have to be bedridden and not able to do anything under their provisions, and I just happen to fall under them. I will tell you that there is no use applying for LTD if you haven't applied for SS disability. And then you need an attorney, otherwise you'll waste your time. I'm sorry to hear so many of you are upset or disgusted with this insurance company, but I have had been treated great and had no problems along the way. They need paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork from every doctor you go to this will validate your disability, and also call them everyday until you get every thing they need like I did. Unfortunately, we are our own advocate, and if you don't do it yourself, no one else will. Good luck to all of you in the future.

I was run over by one of Hartford's insured. I sustained brain injury, no personal injury. They didn't pay all of the medical bills.

I have been off of work since February 1 for a swollen ankle. When my orthopedic sent notes, he wrote "swollen leg/ankle pain." So they said they have to wait for a lot of doctors to send medical records to make sure it wasn't pre-existing. They denied me because all my doctors and hospitals didn't send the records in time. Well, now that my MRI showed sprain, the doctor said I have tendonitis from sprain and I am now going to physical therapy. They still didn't approve my short-term disability claim. A sprain can't be a pre-existing injury. I am at risk for losing my medical benefits because I now have income to pay for them since February 1. Can you please help?

After paying premiums through my employer for over nine years, I had to have back surgery resulting in me not being able to return to work per doctor's orders. After one year to the day of Hartford paying me my entitled benefits, they abruptly stopped paying. I now can't return to work, have no income. Hartford promised to pay benefits until age 67 as long as I'm under doctor's orders and disabled. I have had to file bankruptcy and stand a chance of losing my home. Their appeals process all but insures a long protracted battle just to reinstate my benefits. I wish I had never put the first dime on this worthless insurance scam. Working people, beware.

My position is that I do meet Hartford insurance policy definition, and I should be receiving monthly disability insurance checks. The Hartford Insurance Group are very hard to deal with. I have had no luck with them for about six months now. I have internally appeal the denial letter which stated that the denial letter conflicted the policy definition; their response was "You have exhausted all available administrative remedies available under your policy." I have notice numerous complaints against Hartford Insurance. A current Hartford employee agree that i should be entitled to the disability insurance. External Appeal next. What a waste of time dealing with the Hartford Insurance Group. Thank you!

I have a cervical and lumbar disease along which has caused several other complications. I have been out of work since12/09. Having LTD with Hartford has been a total nightmare from the beginning to now. At initial filing, I ended up having to hire an attorney. Although, medical information was sent to Hartford from at least 3 doctors stating my conditions, my disabilities, my restrictions, and etc., they still forced me to have other exams that were outrageously expensive. This went on for a year and finally after intentional harassment, high levels of stress, etc., they finally approved my claim in 2011.

However, now, they are saying they are denying it again as of 03/15/2012. I know the reason they do this to a lot of people. They try and make them stop the people from pursuing their benefits. This should be illegal and they should be held accountable.

I will do everything in my power to continue to fight for my benefits and research everything I can to find out if I can sue them for intentional harassment. If anybody wants to file a class action lawsuit against them, please let me know. Send me a fax at ** with your contact information, with the reason you want to file the class actions and I will be glad to talk to you. To everyone that has filed a complaint, don't give up, that's what they want!

I have been a state employee for 26 years, paying into short and long term disability. I have filed one other claim which you never paid out since it did not meet the requirement. I was admitted to the hospital since I lost my eye sight. I not only lost my eye sight but I have been dizzy, feeling ill. Pain in my eyes is indescribable, headache. I have been through extensive blood work, MRI, CT scan, etc. trying to get to the source of the problem. I spent my first three weeks home from the hospital on bed not able to tend to myself better yet my children and husband. I received two payments for $60 each from disability. I have been in the doctors and on medications that well exceeded this amount.

I took out this additional insurance to cover the cost in the event of a mishap like this. I have been in contact with the insurance company regularly and they claim my doctor's notes are not sufficient enough. The doctor has stated optic neuritis which is the diagnosis. I cannot drive and they are still not accepting this as a claim. I am sick by this insurance company. I should not have to be making phone calls and leg work when I cannot even take care of myself. I will be looking into alternatives instead of using this company. I also plan on getting an attorney to follow up with this matter. You have no idea how upset I am with Hartford. I have two hospital visits, neurologists, primary doctor, ophthalmologist, EENT specialist all to back up my claim. I intend to fight this to the fullest and I will never recommend you to anyone .

After 8 years of constant issues with Hartford, my husband was sent a denial letter today! 90% of the information in this report is false and wrong! To top it off, they have choosen to do this while my husband is unstable and suicidal at times for over a month now! This should be illegal as he still has mental illness. Nothing about that has changed, so how on earth can they get away with this. It makes no sense!

With his history over the last several years, it is impossible for him to work since he is a liability to employers! After nothing but years and years of paperwork and harrassment in order to keep his benefits, this doesn't surprise me. Now they want to say he is no longer disabled, and all after social secuity has deemed that he is totally disabled! Unreal!

I will not stop until this is fixed. I will also recover any legal fees from Hartford as well. I do not care if I have to work 9 jobs! When I am done, I am going to advocate for this type of negligence to be outlawed as well!

I worked as an executive pharmaceutical representative for over 14 years, the last seven with GlaxoSmithKline. My company (GSK) carried long term disability insurance with The Hartford Insurance Company. I had an accident that destroyed all the cartilages in my left knee which makes me unable to stand, walk, or sit for any extended amount of time. My left knee swells very quickly and I am unable to even perform the basic functions of being a single mother taking care of two children, i.e., cooking, cleaning, washing, performing necessary errands etc.

I was originally approved for the LTD by The Hartford on 1/01/2010 for the first 24 month which by the policy language meant that I was unable to perform the basic duties of my job as a pharmaceutical representative. Considering my injury, this was a no brainer. As also stated on the policy, in order to continue to receive benefits for LTD, after 24 months I must also show that I continue to be disabled and unable to perform the duties of any job for which I have the education or experience to do and make 80% of my pre disability salary.

During this evaluation period, I provided The Hartford with several letters from my attending orthopedic surgeon, my last primary doctor, a second opinion orthopedic specialist and a GI doctor. They advised me in writing in the fall of 2011 that my claim had been approved and that my benefits would continue as long as I continue to meet the definition of disability.

There is one very important note, in August of 2010, without prior warning or letter, The Hartford suddenly terminated my benefits, stating that they had their doctor (no idea who) had a conversation with my surgeon who determined that I was no longer disabled and was approved to return to my work duties. I immediately spoke with my surgeon who told me he had never had such conversation, that in fact The Hartford was lying and that he was not surprised since most insurances commit these injustices to not have to pay out disability benefits.

I followed the rules of the appeal which was finally approved in February of 2011 and my pay was reinstated and the back pay was also sent. Unfortunately, during these six months I had no income whatsoever, and was forced to borrow to be able to exist until my company pension (which was the only income I had available) could be sent to me. In other words, I had to withdraw my retirement pension because The Hartford acted in bad faith, lied and forced me to have no choice but to take this money in order to pay bills, food, utilities, car, gas etc. I also fell significantly behind my mortgage which is now in the process of foreclosure, although I have also requested a loan modification and have paid a lawyer to assist me with this.

Although, I was approved as stated previously to continue to receive benefits under the terms of the policy until 2026 as long as I continue to be disabled, The Hartford is making me check in with them on a monthly basis to find out if I have made any income from a consulting job I decided to take to see if I could supplement my income from my disability which is 70% of what I used to make when I was able to work.

In addition to having the company I consult for notify them in writing that no commissions have been paid to then release by monthly check, I have also received a letter stating that they have requested medical information from my primary doctor which has not been sent to them, and therefore might affect receiving my disability benefits.

I feel that The Hartford is constantly holding a knife over my head, and that they purposely make you feel that there is no security involved in you receiving your disability payments. I have expressed to my analyst that I have been suffering from anxiety and depression due to this situation, and due to the fact that my whole life has been turned upside down by my accident. I tried to see a therapist to be able to discuss my feelings, but due to economic issues I was unable to continue to pay $100.00 per session.

Now she too, has been asked to send any medical information she has for me to The Hartford. I have done everything The Hartford has asked of me including filing a third time for SS benefits with a company The Hartford referred to me, and is being paid by them on my behalf. I was also told that any benefits paid to me, any back pay benefits are owed to The Hartford and must be sent to them upon receipt to my checking account.

Again, I had no problem with this, and gave my permission for this withdrawal when and if I do get the SS approval for disability. What I want to know is can a company like The Hartford continue to cause emotional anxiety and distress to me, which not only has added to the depression I have due to the accident and inability to work and perform other functions of my life, but also the constant fear of being left with no income when I have no other means of providing food, and shelter for myself and my children.

I see this as Goliath taking full advantage of their size and influence to keep the money we paid them in good faith to provide us with insurance in case of anything like this happening. I want to know if there is any legal course that can be taken against them for acting in bad faith, for lying, for their continuous harassment, and emotional stress on people like me that truly has a legitimate disability and claim.

Hartford Disability manages our company short term disability. I am highly dissatisfied with the denial of my claim. The analyst at Hartford has no medical terminology or practices. I had foot surgery and non-weight bearing on my foot for 6 weeks on heavy narcotic medicine for pain. Not to mention, 1 plate with 8 screws intact. My claim was approved for 2 weeks of disability. My physician clearly stated that I could not drive, walk on the foot however, due to my job being a desk job and since my hands are not injured. Hartford indicates no disability payment is due, denied my STD claim and feels that I should be at work. Heartless!

So, my question for a person who is terminally ill but can walk and use hands, what? My employer is no longer using Hartford and I can see why with their unsuccessful handling of disability claims. Just wish I broke my foot in the New Year.

I am entitled to 50% of my pay with my short term disability. The Hartford is taking their time paying benefits owed to me. They approve my claim a week at a time and constantly require additional paperwork filled out by my doctor, which now costs me $25.00 each instance. My condition is not something that would change from week to week. This month, instead of the $1,500 I am due; I have been paid less than $300.00. Each time I call, I am told that is the way it works.

This company practices in victimizing a disabled person with the unprofessional intimidation approach. I lost just about everything. But hey, they finally sent the last payment they owed me about two weeks ago. A payment I should have received in July 2010. Too bad the bills and life can't do the same as this company I paid my hard-earned money to in the case something happens to me. The children who suffer as a result of the Hartford Company's bad practices will remember this, I promise you that.

My father named me executor of his will within twenty one days of his death. She not only collected but married him lying to us, saying he wasn't going to die when he was in fact, dying of melanoma and on morphine. She took the papers to switch to her work, the FDA, without him being present because he was in fact on his bed on morphine and had her friend at work sign without his presence to turn her over as his brand new wife. She kicked us out; we had no money to fight this and we lived in different state. We had to come home and had nowhere to go. There are witnesses that were there that can and will attest only if go to court on this matter. Signatures and dates don't lie. Florida Law was to prevent this from happening; when I went to collect, she had collected already.

-10. This "md" is a paid prostitute for Hartford Disability insurance company. He never examined me. He says I can work 8 hrs after observing tape 5 min out 5 min back of me walking without limp. He ignores 3 MD's who have examined me. He ignores CT Mylogram and CT scan information. He is guilty of medical malpractice!

Hartford is heartless. Three doctors said I am disabled. They called 3AM accusing my Philippine MD of bribery. They have lied, twisted the medical information and just been horrible. They committed medical malpractice by using an "MD" who never examined me to say I can work 8 hours a day and denied my longterm disability. They are guilty of medical malpractice and insurance fraud!

I have been on disability for medical reasons. The Hartford is taking their time reviewing and approving my claim. It has been almost 2 weeks. I found out that my claim representative went on vacation and my claim sat untouched and not reviewed until her return. Meanwhile, I have not been paid. I don't know who to call to get this resolved. I keep getting the run around, adding insult to injury.

I was approved for short term disability early September 2011. I have been receiving checks up until 2 weeks ago.

Hartford is being unrealistic about requiring Doctor's notes and testing, the same day as your Doctor's appointment (Many doctors have to send notes out to be scripted). They have repeatedly denied me a check when the Doctor's notes weren't in the same day.

The last time they asked for notes my Doctor faxed them and then I got the excuse that my claim has been sent to the Clinical Dept. for review that was Monday, October 10, 2011. I was told by my examiner that the department was "short handed", but everything they needed was in and I would hear something this week.

If you went to your bank to pick up your check and they said, "I'm sorry but we were short handed, we haven't had time to process your check, it's NOT available" that would be unacceptable! The answer I got from Hartford is unacceptable! I have diagnoses of Small Fiber Neuropathy. I am unable to work, it's hard enough to survive on the 40% of my wages (only 40% because when I started my job with Wal-Mart, nobody had the time to train me in, let alone tell me of insurance available!). Then the checks are withheld, let alone my health insurance is not being paid. I am very upset and I want this insurance process reviewed.

I think The Hartford is wonderful!

My wife has been employed by Walmart for 10 years. In January, she had a knee replacement and filed for short term disability and was approved.

We were fully expecting her to return to work by August but in July, she injured her shoulder and her STD ran out the end of July. We did long term disability paperwork in July after her shoulder starting bothering her. The analyst had us file for SSD and told us that the knee may be pre-existing so that won't be approved and he said Hartford is waiting for med records from doctors.

We were at her doctor this week and they have not received a request yet from the Hartford and we are being told by Hartford that they requested it. So is this a stall or what. We don't know what to think.

I had thyroid cancer surgery 6/28/11. I work at arrowhead medical center,county of san bernardino,ca. Their disibility ins. is contracted through Hartford Ins. I started the process on 6/3/11 with hartford so I would not have to worry while i was off. I did everything they told me to do. Hartford states their policy is to give you the first two wks. off and then they want detailed info. on you and they have nurses that will review your case and decided if you get the full amount of time your doctor has given you. My doctor put me off for a month, since when do they have the right to override what my dr. has said. I am a single parent and I have to worry weather they will decide to pay me or not. They also want to know details on any probs.during surgery and after. I have never heard of this in my life. Is this even legal? The address I gave you is the only address on my paperwork

I would definitely be interested in any type of class action lawsuit. The Hartford should be upfront with exactly what they plan to do to you, your dependents and your money. When you are sick and dealing with these people is when you get taken advantage of. Buyer beware that includes the sick and shut in. I understood what they said about owing an overpayment if I was awarded SSS benefits. When I asked what the estimate of the overpayment would be and why they were over paying me, I could not get an answer. Finally, my agent told me they did not know how much they overpaid me until I hear back from social security.

Well, lo and behold when social security issued a check for back payments, I owed the Hartford the entire check. Now, they are attempting to get me to file for dependent benefits so they can take that as well. I think there is something really fraudulent going on here. I really don't care to deal with them anymore. Social Security said that I don't have to file dependent benefits. It's enough to mess with me and aggravate this disease but to also threaten to mess with my children? Preposterous!

There should be some type of hardship that you can claim. In this economy my husband is unemployed, I am sick and I have two children about to go to college. Paying them this entire overpayment still leaves me broke with the same bills and no sign of relief!

I was injured arresting a carjacker and still undergoing treatments with two discs cut out of my neck and a torn labrum and rotator cuff resulting from the arrest. It has been three years of surgery and feeding tubes and my neck did not fuse and the shoulder cannot be operated on due to the failure of the neck to fuse. They have constantly had detectives follow me nonstop even with over 30 doctors verifying with MRIs and CAT scans that it cannot be fixed. Social Security has agreed with the doctors and Workers Comp. Hartford represents me in long-term disability and only pays 50 dollars a month. I have had to call the police several times and have pictures of the investigators and their tags along with their faces, followed me across three states, into lunch and then sat across from my home with my three daughters. They are stalking nonstop.

While working for a company separating and stacking pallets ranging in weight of 16 to 45 pounds, I would stack the good pallets 30 to 45 high and the bad just as high. All done without a hi-lo unless the stack was too high for me to reach, then one would come and down half of the stack so I could go through them. The company said they weren't budgeted for a hi-lo for that area on second shift so we only had three at the most as were first shifts 6 to 7, hi-los are on their shift for the plant. So with that as it was, I was able to throw the pallets just high enough to get them up there and use a broomstick to push them the rest of the way on the stack.

I was able to produce 25 to 35 stacks of completed pallets a day without a hi-lo, the first shift can do at most 20 with a hi-lo. I'm a man who gives my all to a job and I will put all of me into that job and I still feel that way, but I cannot do that now. At the end of 6 months of doing this job, I felt some burning and stinging in my neck. I went to my supervisor and let him know that I could not do as much as I used to and that it's starting to hurt. He said to sit down when I needed to and he gave some people who could help when he could. During a weekend I was changing the oil in my truck and my left arm went numb with a little pain with it.

I went to work that Monday and thought if I just work it out, it will get better. That didn't work. My arm is still numbed and painful to use. I went to the plant manager and told him I could not lift the pallets anymore because of my arm. So he put me on another job, wrapping finished pallets and pushing them onto the conveyor to the warehouse. Still not being able to use my arm, I used my shoulder and thought it was going well till the manager came to me and told me to go home and see my doctor because he can't have me working like that.

And that I need to write on my doctor's note that it's not work-related. The Doctor put me on a weight lift restriction, but they wouldn't let me work because of the restriction, unless I would work on computer. They never offered a clinic visit by company doctor. Anyway, I asked for my short-term DISI insurance. After a month of the company messing up my paper work, I called Hartford myself. They didn't get anything from where I worked to start anything. So I did it all myself and on a monthly basis, I would have to pull teeth just to get them to pay me.

When the short-term ended, they automatically started my LTD. It's been over three months since that started and I'm back to pulling teeth with no money. They keep asking for paperwork they have gotten already and anything else they can ask for to delay my LTD claim. I figure they owe me about 5 grand since my LTD started and it's climbing. It's going on almost 4 months and no decision has been made. Isn't there a time limit? Injury was in July of 2010 and now its may 2011. I need help. I'm gonna lose our apartment if they don't get out of their high chairs and do what is proper. My feeling is if the person reviewing the claims can find a way to not pay them, that person will get part of the money owed to you. That's how corps are nowadays.

I'm unable to pay rent, I can't buy enough food, clothes and school supplies for my two kids, and I have no money for gas to get to doctor's appointment.

I have been on LTD with The Hartford for 24 months and now was due for the required re-evaluation. I was denied, with my doctor saying I could go back to work. However when I talked to my doctor, he denied stating this in his letter. I talked to this Jake ******, who was a complete ** and explained what my doctor said. Even if there was a follow-up letter to clarify that my doctor has not released me to go back to work, Jake said it would not change their decision. Also, after being on it for 8 months, I was told I needed to file for Social Security Disability, so I did. I used a law group that they set me up with and was "forced" to sign a re-payment agreement with the attorney that if I won any kind of settlement, the attorney had the right to pay them back for what I had received and if I didn't, I would be cut off of my LTD. Of course I signed it, I didn't want to lose my $$$.

So, back to getting cut off in Feb 11, I talked to my attorney (the same one they set me up with) and told her what they did. I asked her about the re-payment agreement and she told me that it was a completely voluntary service and that they had no right to force me into it! That is the equivalent of blackmail! So, I am filing my appeal without much hope going by what I have read. But if anyone out there is interested in contacting an attorney about a class action settlement, you can email me @ **********@aol.com and put Hartford class action in the subject line so I don't delete it. It looks like the attorney general's of NY and CT both sued the Hartford for fraud with retirement annuities and made them pay millions. Maybe we all can get together and file a class action lawsuit. Since I was just denied, I haven't suffered any damages yet, but if I receive nothing going forward, it will literally destroy my family as we have very little income coming in due to all my medical bills and having to have filed a Ch 13, most of my husband's pay goes to it.

I had to fight tooth and nail to get approved for LTD from The Hartford through my employer. I have a brain aneurysm, fibromyalgia, PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic, sleep apnea, and the list goes on. I filed for SSDI and had to hire counsel to get approved. Now, The Hartford wants all the back pay I received from SSDI - claiming it is an overpayment. I have been paying into SS for over 27 years and have been paying my premiums, so aren't both my SSDI and LTD mine? I understand if The Hartford adjusts my ongoing LTD, but, to take my back SSDI? Come on.

I paid long term disability premium for 15 years that fell under ERISA. I was being treated for chronic back problems. My treating physician took me off work on May 1, 2007. On or about October 200,7 my specialist told me I would not be going back to work with my back condition. I worked for Emerson Electric - Leroy Somer North America Division out of the Human Resource department as a Health, Safety and Environmental Manager for 15 years. The company sold once to Emerson, but benefits remained the same we were told. Unum Insurance handled long term disability for my division until they were sued with a class action suit for not paying and denying long term disability claims in bad faith. Hartford was then contracted by Emerson Electric to handle long term disability claims for the division I worked in.

My story is similar with everyone else that has dealings with Hartford. You pay your premiums and they will try every way possible to deny your claim. I did not know how unethical Hartford LTD Insurance were until I requested my file and read what my adjuster JoAnn ** had written in my file in an attempt to mislead what was actually said and what actually happened. For example, I was called early one morning by JoAnn and asked for a document. I was recovering from surgery. I had a very good record keeping system that was scanned into my computer at home and I could connect to the plant where I worked if I needed to get a document.

I got the adjuster JoAnn the document she asked me for within a few minutes from my computer at home with one or two clicks on the keyboard. Keep in mind, I am sick and can hardly move or hold my head up to do this task the Hartford adjuster requested. In her file I read later called claimant and he was typing away at the keyboard.

This is one of the many ways they misrepresent what actually happens in a claim. Hartford did not like for you to e-mail records because it left a trail and they could not say I did not get that document. I trusted Hartford at the time because I was sick and they knew it from the medical records. I worked hard trying to get better with my lower back. My doctor even told me he had never seen a man work so hard to get better. I had numerous injections, nerve blocks, neuro stimulator implant, artificial disc implanted from L1 to L5 along with bone fusion, metal plate with screws and stabilizers. Hartford paid me 60% of my pay for 24 months and then told me what jobs I could do. Both my doctors told them I could not work. All the paperwork was submitted and I kept proof of that unknowingly they were in every step attempting to deny my claim any way possible.

My treating physician wrote them a letter telling them what a travisity it was not to pay a sick man and explained to them that he had his hand on my back when it would separate among other medical conditions associated with my back. I only knew I hurt day and night on a high dose of morphine. I did not have my last surgery until after they quit paying. The way they first tried to denied my claim was to attempt to get my doctors to agree I was able to work and my doctors said no verbally and in writing. Then Hartford hires doctors that would pick and choose the medical record. One example is I have been hurting for 6 months but today after injecting my back with 2 hours of shots I feel better. They would write in the report patient states he feels better and is smiling but left out the past six months of suffering and the next six months of suffering.

I already knew some doctors could be paid to do and say anything unethical but did not believe Emerson Electric would allow someone they contracted to be unethical and act in bad faith. This is how Hartford operates and the adjuster, supervisors and up to the VP's are all on board with this type bad faith tactics. My case is in federal court. Its been well over year since Hartford paid. They left me sitting with no income. I'm sure they will drag this out as long as possible in court because they do not fear penalty under ERISA Law because there is none. I hold Emerson Electric responsible also for letting something like this happen. They talk ethics in all directions but it's a front. Emerson Electric does not care either. My best advice is to not purchase Long Term Disability Insurance through your employer.

Instead go to a local insurance agent and purchase Short Term and LTD, then if there is a problem the local state can order the insurance company to pay. You can sue the insurance company and be granted damages of several sorts with interest and attorney fees. The way to win against Hartford is a Class Action Suit. It would be hard for Hartford Insurance Company to get a jury that someone close to them has not been damaged by Hartford Insurance Company. I encourage everyone to report your experience with Hartford good or bad and that class action will come around. Class Actions are the only law suits Hartford dreads. If your congressman or senator accepts insurance donations, my advice is to vote them out as they won't help the working man or should I say sick man.

Hartford denied my claim after 43 days of the 45-day waiting period before first check. I hired Dell & Schaefer in Florida to handle my complaint. They discovered that Hartford had not read any of the 150+ pages from three doctors regarding my disability. Further, they lied in their letter of denial that it was pending a Worker's Compensation claim which they had tricked me into filing.

Dell & Schaefer tracked down the analyst for the Worker's claim, which is a company in another state that GA outsources to, and got the receipt stating that Hartford had received the denial three weeks earlier. Thank heavens for Dell & Schaefer.

My story is similar to the ones listed. How the Hartford can continue to profit because of the misleading policy and procedure that is unheard of. I, like most others, elected to have ST and LT disability insurance. At the time it was offered, I got a benefits packet with a very brief explanation of the benefits. It seemed to be a large expense but at least I would be covered. I was operated on in February 2008 on my shoulder which was in bad shape. I had reconstructive surgery with a plastic surgeon to reduce the pain. This did not work, the pain got worse.

In May 2008, I started the nightmare of filing for benefits. I finally received some. I was approved for SSI. I did not have a check yet and they had their hand out for everything they had paid me. I had no idea that this would happen. The Hartford states that is in the policy I signed. I took every last dime I had to pay back some. I did and in June 1, 2010 while collecting SSI, I am somehow not qualified to get benefits. My doctors all say my condition is worse I have nerve damage along with many serious issues. I have and will continue to fight the Hartford because what they are doing is not right. I hope that I can make a difference or one will. God bless and may God give us strength to justify the wrongs of the Hartford.

I worked for Walmart 5 years. Coming home from work, I had a car accident (I was a passenger, the other driver was ticketed). After hospital and x-rays I had two surgeries, neck six screws with six inch titanium plate and lower back with six screws and netting. Social Security told me I was permanently disabled. I have disability insurance through Walmart Hartford.

They started claim saying all I get was $50 a month for a grand total of $15,000 but they cut me off soon as they could. Maybe a year went by and told me their claims person said there were 4 jobs out in the world I could do. They also stated they realize that I can't pass a physical, get real! I have had no luck getting a lawyer take this case. Hartford knows I'm disabled but there's no way to get them to pay. I paid these guys in good faith. What a joke! They sent a physician's statement (any way the doctor answered it, Hartford would cut me off--if you saw the statement you would know!).

Try and live on $1000 a month with presciptions and child support. My docteo told me I can't sit for 15 minutes or stand for 15 minutes. Every night I wake up 4-8 times and am never sleeping for more than 3 hours. Hartford is tricky, the way they word things. So that's why they kept the $15,000 to be paid while I suffer! I had been homeless for two years. I am now home in a steady address!

The hardship of disability is only really understood by the suffering of the individual. Sadly, LTD disability should never be purchased. It is worthless. Congress has been contacted and you now have a better idea of politicians. You should not trust any of them or Hartford. They will spend more money to destroy and cause harm. Save the money. So many souls that are destroyed working for Hartford. Their sins will not be forgotten, pray for them. Although they have wronged the claimant and intentionally lied to gain dollars to their bottom line. What they have done to you, they have done to God. Peace to all that are suffering from Hartford's bad faith, they will have their turn. I have been destroyed by them, I still have my soul. Do not buy insurance from them. Forgive them if you have, fight if you can.

God bless all the disabled and God grant them peace as Hartford drags them through hell. God bless those who have died during the process of Hartford's tragic denial process and greed.

I worked at Walmart for 19 years and paid short and long-term disability. I had to appeal to get my short-term. When it was exhausted, I had to go to long-term. I was informed that because I drawn 1239 dollar on social security disability, I was only going to draw 119 dollar and for only a year, I thought long-term was for life. When I took the policy, they are only using my knees as the disability when I have allied disease degenerative disc in my back.

I worked at Walmart for 19 years and paid short and long term disability. I had to appeal to get my short term. When it was exhausted, I had to go to long term; I was informed that because I had drawn 1239 dollar on social security disability, I was only going to draw 119 dollar and for only a year. I thought long term was for life when I took the policy. They are only using my knees as the disability when I have allied degenerative disc disease in my back.

I work for Medco Health Solutions, and I've been on medical leave since December 2009. I had a stroke in July 2009, and I tried to go back and couldn't handle the duties of my job; they claim they have "light duty", but don't! So after fighting to get my short term disability, it ran out in June 2010. The Hartford handles Medco's long term disability benefits. Against my doctors orders, they keep denying my claim and saying I can work heavy capacity when my job themselves won't let me, let alone my doctor saying no! They are a very difficult company and I am planning a lawsuit against them and their dirty underhanded practices! They've made me go for over 4 months now without pay!

Since they keep on denying my claim wrongfully, I'm now without money. I've lost utilities and barely can eat with help from friends and family. I'm in grave danger of losing everything including my own life because I cannot afford to go to my doctors or get my meds. If anyone can help me with this company please do! And I pray no one else has to deal with this!

I work for Medco Health Solutions and I've been on medical leave since December 2009. I had a stroke in July 2009, and I tried to go back and couldn't handle the duties of my job. They claim they have "light duty", but don't! So after fighting to get my short-term disability, it ran out in June 2010. The Hartford handles Medco's long-term disability benefits. Against my doctors orders, they keep denying my claim and saying I can work heavy capacity when my job themselves won't let me, let alone my doctor saying no! They are a very difficult company and I am planning a lawsuit against them and their dirty underhanded practices! They've made me go for over 4 months now without pay!

Since the keep wrongfully denying my claim, I'm now with no money; I've lost utilities and barely can eat with help from friends and family. I'm in grave danger of losing everything including my own life because I cannot afford to go to my doctors or get my medicines. If anyone can help me with this company please do! And I pray no one else has to deal with this!

I paid Hartford premiums for almost 12 years. In 2003, my doctor took me out of work for classic daily migraines and in 2004 I was told I have Parkinson's. I applied for short term benefits and was denied, but I finally received them. At 6 months it was time to go on long term, but had to apply for SSD and it took 4 years to receive it. I had to repay Hartford all of my SSD back pay and the IRS has no place to take credits for insurance payment since the insurance company gets the money and the tax payer gets the tax bill. In the fall of 2009, they started filming me and saw me doing nothing that was not okay-ed by my doctor and in my health records.

They sent a person to interview me, their own person told me that the next step would be to see a doctor they choose and then termination. He also said I should fight them because denial would be for unfounded reasons. They have come up with some of the craziest reasons for termination. All of the tapes and the reports from their doctor were sent to my specialist that still says I can't work. I am trying to fight them, but since they are given all the rights under the E.R.I.S.A. law and we are denied our rights and the prospect of justice makes it hard.

I have talked to several law offices and keep hearing that it is not enough money for them. I am still trying to fight, wish me luck. We all need to let our congressman, etc. know that the laws need to cover us, like it does them. ERISA does not apply to government people of any kind and it's just not fair.

After 15 years of paying premiums, it was discovered I had an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, which is life threatening. MRI also discovered I had severe spinal degeneration. The AAA was fixed, but left me with huge medical payments.

Because of this, I can't even afford to address further treatment for my spine. I am 60 years old, and because of this medical history, I am a poor risk for any employer. My own hospital forced me into an early retirement. Hartford did not follow through with their benefit plan as it was originally presented to me. Their plan said I was to receive 60% of my income if I were to become disabled. Instead, Hartford forced me into applying for Social Security Disability almost immediately or be cut off from receiving any of Hartford's benefits. Once I was awarded SSI, Hartford claimed any monies received from SSI was an overpayment, and that I would receive no more Hartford Insurance supplement until the overpayment was paid back. So now, I won't receive any further payment from them for the next eight months.

I took the LTD Hartford Insurance for financial protection in the event of any catastrophic illness. I didn't want to tax an already taxed Social Security system. But now I've found, this is not the case. Hartford doesn't pay 60% of a person's income. Relying on Social Security, they attempt to pay nothing. To me, this is consumer fraud. For 13 years I made premiums, and I'm no better off than if I'd never paid them. If they were only going to be a bridge to collecting early social security, they should have made this clear in their literature. I would have been far better off socking my premiums away in my own personal fund. What they claim is misleading. And now, they're telling me I must have ongoing medical treatment for my back. How can I afford this? Before it's over, I will never recoup even a fraction of my money. The bones in my back are not going to heal. I cannot put my spine back in alignment. But they want me to create additional health expenses.

I suffer from factor V, which is a blood disorder that causes my blood to clot easily. In February 2009, I slipped and fell on ice and since that time, I have developed numerous blood clots. I am currently on high dosages of coumadin that makes my blood very thin. I was on and off short term disability and on November 2009 was put on long term disability. My physician continues to indicate that I cannot go back to work. Hartford hired an investigator that followed me while I drove to a friend's house one day and visited with him for about an hour and drive back home. The next week, they video taped me at a charity function for about 9 minutes. I was not doing anything outside what my physician stated I could do. He saw the video and he said, "You did not break any rules."

They then hired a Dr. ** to review the tape and video. He stated that he spoke with my physician and that he stated I was no longer disabled. My physician has stated that this was a lie and that he did not say that. With the report of Dr. **, who I have never seen, Hartford acted in bad faith and terminated my benefits without sending me any records, reports or anything they used to support the termination. The letter also stated that I could contact the insurance commission of IIllinois. I live in Ohio. The letter was full of mistakes, repeated the same information several times.

My girlfriend started having Basilar Migraines in Feb 2010. She started having 2-3 episodes per day of what appear to be stroke like symptoms. She gets severe headaches and her whole right side of her body contracts. These symptoms last anywhere from 2-5 hrs at a time. She has been seeing a neurologist who has put her off work indefinitely since she has no idea when the episodes will occur. She has been getting the run around with Hartford for some time now. They talk to her like she is a criminal trying to beat the system. They sent her forms to have both her doctor and neurologist fill out and even after having done that it still wasn't enough. They wanted more subjective data.

I am writing this complaint for her since she is unable to even get on her computer or write a letter. After I finish with this, I am calling the Department of Insurance and an attorney for her. Hopefully we can get a resolution to the problem soon so she is not under more added stress.

I am complaining against constant denial of my claims. On my first claim, I was out of work due to surgery. The claim was denied because I was not hospitalized overnight. Three years later, I was out of work due to sleep apnea. The claim was denied again because I was not involved in an accident. Last but not the least, my employer participated in a group plan. When they signed up, my premium was set to receive a stated amount. However, I then received a third denial of claim with no explanation. It feels like I am being ripped off.

In June of 2008, I was injured on the job. I filled out a workers comp. form and submitted it. After first refusing benefits, I contacted my lawyer and we filed a complaint. Somehow I was not granted a hearing for 11 months ( that alone was very questionable ) where the Hartford Co. did not feel the need to show up, nor did they attend the second hearing, all the time ignoring the medical examiners report of a legitimate injury to my spine. Only did they decide to show up for the third hearing on the 21st of June 2010.

At that time they finally admitted my injury and signed papers saying they would pay and my lawyer stated to me they have 30 days to pay. Today is Aug 10 and still nothing from the Hartford. After several more conversations with my lawyer, Hartford told him about mistakes they made delayed my payment once again. They said they mailed out on Saturday. Insurance companies making payments on Saturday? Give me a break. These people are criminals and should lose their license. Well, it's now been 779 days since I was injured, all of this at a cost to me of over $50k just about everything I've worked for 4 the past 20+ years.

Well, after years of paying premiums out of my paycheck I became disabled. It was a nightmare trying to get approved and then three months after being approved, they reduced my payments from over $1000 to $50! Stating I qualified for SS disability.

Here is my complaint: The salesperson never bothered to mention that if I qualify for SS disability that lets them off the hook! No paperwork from Hartford ever mentioned this. As far as I am concerned, it should work the same as Life Insurance. But you might want to check. Maybe Hartford believes that if you have another life insurance policy they should not have to pay. Hey, it's your money and your family! Like I don't have enough problems dealing with my health this representative took great delight in telling me that my benefits were going to be reduced.

Sometime in the late '80's, I purchased Short term and Long term disability insurance through my union, Pef. The open enrollment information was a small folded up letter size brochure which briefly explained that No Medical was necessary and the choice of electing how much benefits you wanted in terms of single or double payments. Over the years I was sick on and off and used the short term insurance which paid me 1/2 my salary on a bi-weekly basis.

On October '09, I became disabled again and used my short term benefits until it expired in April '10. Then I applied for the Long Term benefits. It was then that I learned that the long term benefits are pending your application for Social Security Benefits, for which they offer to help you apply and process for a fee. In addition, any benefits that Hartford pays to you is automatically deducted from any Social Security awarded to you.

In fact, Social Security had already approved my application and Hartford ended up paying me a cap amount of $195.00 per month. I think it is unscrupulous for Hartford to be selling this long term disability insurance without disclosing this information during their enrollment period. The brochure they give you has a small print asterisk statement, which says that the amount of insurance award would be offset by other benefits.

When I called N.Y.S Public Employees Federation, they argued that they disclosed the information and sent me a disclosure manual, which I had never seen before. I was counting on these benefits to cope with the financial stress created by an unexpected/unplanned permanent disability which forced me into early retirement. I can't believe the N.Y.S Employees Federation sponsors these crooks.

Thousands of P.E.F union members are paying monthly premiums for this long term insurance and they don't know they are being sold a temporary loan from the Hartford Insurance Company. I want to know what the Commissioner of Insurance is doing about this Highway Robbery. Also the N.Y.S employees are being used and abused with the help of P.E.F. Why would anyone purchase long term disability insurance, if you are paying for social security coverage. If you apply for social security benefits and need assistance to survive during the process, one can apply for Social Security Supplement which would do the same as Hartford without the years of monthly deductions from your salary -- deduct from the SSA award, whatever they had given you.

I am a physician and this company requires long detailed paperwork on all patients whenever they miss work and claim short or long term disability. They require this information monthly, but do not request it and then shot down a claim when they do not receive it. Patient's claim is denied and they lose short term disability payment. I spent all my time filling out unnecessary paperwork.

I am with the Hartford company but it is a Long Term Disability insurance in general. When a person has car insurance that they pay into year after year and then they get into an accident, the insurance company pays for the repairs. Then down the line, the consumer decides to sell the car. They do not have to use the money from the sale to repay the insurance company with the money from the sale. So when a person has a cause to apply and receive long term disability insurance that the consumer has paid into, just as auto insurance, why does the consumer have to repay the insurance company for the LTD they were paid when they become eligible for SSD?

I can understand if from this day forward the LTD pay does not continue since SSD is in play. But why is repayment a requirement? Yes, there is some back pay from SSD. But if a person is disabled, that means they have had numerous doctors visits and other medical necessities and not everyone has the luxury of health insurance so there are bills to pay. People do not become rich from LTD or SSD!

Diagnosis: Hemorrhagic acute necrotizing pancreatitis with nine week hospitalization and surgery. This diagnosis has a 50% mortality rate. This occurred due to gallbladder stones (just really bad luck). They removed the gallbladder and 70% of the pancreas. Surgery was 12/19/2008. The Hartford cut off my long term disability payments February of 2010 knowing I was facing another surgery. Surgery is this Thursday; April 22,2010 to drain a pseudocyst that surrounds the pancreas causing pain, gastric disturbances, difficulty breathing which causes fatigue and poor endurance.

We are in an appeal process and my doctor found out from talking to them last week on the phone that the paperwork has been just sitting on a desk. No doctor has ever reviewed my case and the lady on the phone asked my doctor, "What is a pseudocyst anyway? " He told her, "I don't have time to teach you. You are interfering with my work with this patient and I need to speak with someone with medical background. After he spoke with a manager, my paperwork was sent out for medical review. I can't afford the special diet I need, can't afford medicines, can't afford to pay rent yet I have to go into surgery in a few days and the Hartford knows this.

I am facing an eviction. I can't afford the special diet I'm supposed to have. The pseudocyst is enlarging. Now the size of a grapefruit. Stress causes the worst pain. Am seeing a psychiatrist since November 2009 for treatment of depression, anxiety and sleep disorder. I believe with all my heart that the harassment and then neglect of the Hartford team has interfered with my rehab. Maybe I would have needed surgery anyway to deal with this pseudocyst or maybe I wouldn't. Who knows. I know I went a full year without any medicine for sleep, anxiety or depression and that I attribute to the Hartford.

While they were reviewing and questioning repeatedly initially to find out of this $50 mortality rate, rare disease was a pre-existing condition. I lost my home and car in Atlanta. Now during the appeal process while I am facing surgery in a few days, I am also facing eviction from my new apartment back in California. I have worked hard all my life. I have never been disabled. I've raised two children who are now adults without any assistance; not even a food stamp. I thought I had my needs covered through my package at my job in the event I became sick. I was wrong.

I have been an employee of Walt Disney World for the last 17 years. In October of 2008, I tore the rotator cuff in my left shoulder at work. I was a waitress and did a lot of lifting and carrying. I had surgery in February of 2009 and went back to light duty in March of 2009. Although this is and incredibly a painful surgery and mine especially so as they had to remove bone off the collar bone and also on the top of the arm. I also have arthritis in the back two torn discs and had to have a bowel resection in 2006. In August of 2009, I was released to go back to work as a waitress by the Workman's Comp doctor.

I worked until 11-4 2009. However, I was unable to do five days a week. Disney did a small settlement for the injury and I no longer had a job. I was approved for Social Security Disability which will not even start until June of 2010. I have had a short and long term disability policy through my employer which is handled by the Hartford Insurance company. I contacted them and put in a claim for disability to cover me from the time I left work until my social security starts. I was told since the original Workman's Comp doctor had released me to go back to work that I was not eligible for benefits.

I sent them a letter of awards showing that social security had approved me for disability and since they are the deciding organization in the United States as whether you are legally disabled that should prove that I am not able to work but they do not agree. I was only trying to get some type of income to cover the six month-interim that I am not employed and Social Security benefits take effect. I thought I had protected myself in the event that something like this would occur. I was wrong paying 17 years of premiums and they don't want to pay the six months that I have no income.

The consequence of this action has left me with a home I have lived in and paid for for the last 17 years is going to go into foreclosure. I also am being forced to file bankruptcy for my cards and have had zero income except my tax return since November 2009. I have had to file for food stamps and home energy credit just to have food and energy to run heat and power. My family has helped out but I am single and 56 and they are not in much better shape financially than I am. I don't even know who to file a complaint with.

How someone who gets injured doing a job for an employer can find themselves in a position that they no longer have a job, are unable to use the insurance that they have paid into for 17 years and is left with a few thousand dollars to live on the rest of their life is beyond my comprehension. I thought the fight would be to get my Social Security Disability but once they were sent my medical records, they approved me within 45 days. I filed with Hartford at the same time and still have not gotten an answer.

This is an update: The court proceeding was a joke. I was forced into a settlement that signed away my long-term disability payments. My so-called attorney attacked me and pleaded their case for them. In reality, I lost over $220,000 in future benefits, and my part of the forced settlement is less than what Hartford was behind from not paying me since October 2005.

Their attorney tried to have the files sealed because of the low offers of $30,000 until I am seventy. I am now fifty two. Even though I have never signed this agreement and told my attorney several times I wanted to go to court, this agreement was (if you can call it that) done on the phone. I was crying so hard he could not understand me. I told him he did not know what he was forcing me to do and the repercussions of it.

Bottom line for me is I cannot live the next seventeen years off $65,000 out of the $130,000 settlement no matter how I invest it. I am still totally disabled. I have not signed the settlement agreement that they are still changing on me. What really kills me is the fact that on March 8, my attorney knew I still wanted to go to court, and on March 12, he canceled the lawsuit as settled.

I could not get another attorney to help me with any advice whatsoever, and I tried several. I would never willingly sign away 17 years of benefits of $1069.67 per month. They were even trying to lower this amount because of the cost of living raises we receive in our social security benefits. Hartford had never lowered it in the past. I think my only hope now is to refuse to sign and make the court force it and file a motion of forced under protest and hope I can appeal to a higher court.

I work for a labor union, and they offer the Hartford Insurance for both short-term and long-term disability. The insurance is available not only to the staff, like me, but to all the union members we represent--about 58,000 people. There is about a 1 in 5 sign-up ratio, so we give them a ton of business.

I was pondering having a baby, a "disability" that would be covered by short-term disability insurance if you had it for more than a year before birth. It was recommended that I sign up during their open enrollment period. Unfortunately, the open enrollment period created 2 tiers of benefits. If you signed up, the best benefit you could get was $300 every week for 26 weeks. There was an additional tier of $500 a week that you still had to fill out a personal health form for.

I was very keen on being able to stay home with my child for the first 6 months of life, but I make a good amount of money. My household needed the $500 a week to make a dent in the losses it would be suffering right when I needed money the most. So I bit the bullet and sent in the form. A few weeks later, I received a denial in the mail. I had been denied, because I have depression.

Mind you, on the form I had explained that I had never been out of work because of it and that it was controlled by medication. I called them and asked if maybe there was some kind of misunderstanding since my depression had never affected my health and attendance. I was told that apparently (and this is the part that boggles my mind), Hartford denies anyone who has depression automatically. They will not allow you to purchase coverage.

I told them that I was appalled that they would discriminate against a whole (huge) class of people like that, and they snottily said they would make a note of my feelings in my account. That is an awfully large group of disenfranchised people.

I have been on long-term disability for 23 months. Right at Christmas, December 23, they sent me a denial letter and asked for the last week's pay back (between Christmas and New Year's, they overpaid). Anyways, over nine months, I was surveyed on a daily basis--three or four times a day, coming up on my side decks, paying children to bang on my door--so they could film me. They're constantly there all the time.

My doctor contended I am still disabled. However, Hartford has made up lies and distortions in my medical files and based their denial on lies/distortions that Hartford created! For instance, Hartford said I refused to see a psychiatrist. They based neurologist doctors' decisions based on an in-home interview by a Hartford surveillance investigator.

Their investigator fabricated a story in his notes, saying I walk my dog for one hour, twice a day. There are all kinds of tweaking and creative writing where they jumbled the records and screw all the information up, so it is all in their favor. It is impossible to fight a team of Hartford lawyers, doctors, investigators, while begin sick and disabled. People just get railroaded by Hartford all the time, and with ERISA laws, they are screwed!

I was injured in an on duty training accident which required knee surgery. I was found unable to return to Police work and was medically retired. The Hartford was supposed to pay me and once the medical disability kicked in they sent me a bill for $4000+ saying they over paid me. They then cut the benefit off and sent a letter stating I had to sign a release for them to "recover their losses" and attach my death benefits if any, would access my credit rating to determine my ability to pay and of course report me to the credit bureau. I did not fill out any requests for them to overpay me and all the paperwork was handled through the Town of Marana. The reemployment counselor stated I would need to find a job as they were going to cut off my benefits.

Law enforcement officers believe when they go on the job that they will be taken care of if they get injured or disabled in connection with providing public service. I was set up for a security position interview by the counselor and I found out she told them the Hartford would pay two months of my wages. I was humiliated and depressed to think that 35 years of law enforcement would be reduced to backstabbing to get me off a service I paid for. I am now trying to live on $1,400 a month. I am aware of other Police Officers and Law enforcement that this has happened to. They wait until your separation from the department to attack when they know you have no money or access to attorneys.

I had a long term disability policy through my employer. When I became ill and was out of work for more than 3 months the policy kicked in. I had no problem with the Hartford paying. After a few years I was approved for Soc. Sec. Disability and was awarded a monthly amount from them. Hartford was kept informed of EVERYTHING, every month. Hartford had every piece of information that I had. Skip to this past October when I received a letter from Hartford telling me that due to a miscalculation at Hartford I was "overpaid" almost $2000. over the past 3 years. They gave me 15 days to pay it in full. Of course I didn't have it, I live off of disability. After the 15 day period Hartford turned the debt over to a collection agency and now I am getting harassed from them. The name of the collections agency? The Hartford Collection Agency.

I told them I could pay it back to them the same way I received it, in payments, but that was not good enough for them.

My mom was to stressed and worried about living, and did not even know they were getting ready to cut her off. They didn't even send any kind of notice. Nothing.

When she tried to make appeals it never got to anyone. When she sent checks they never cashed them. They would give out fake phone numbers, or keep giving the same numbers that no one answered the phone or called her back. They still owe her at least $15,000 in back pay. The consequences and damage that resulted, a premature death. I heard my mother's doctor say "you have a good 5-10 years before the cancer can really be a problem." She didn't say 5-10 months!

After 20 years on LT disability with the Hartford I recieved a call out of the blue last week saying my disability was terminated and that they did not have to adhere to any of my policy's provisions for work re-entry. The independent medical examiner never spoke with me and twisted all the data my dr.'s provided about verifying that I could not work.

They were furious and called to speak to someone and were told they could not. In the past they had hired sleezy independent investigators who wrote on their reports that i had underwear hanging in my bedroom (guess how they knew that?). They sent me to an independent medical examiner who spoke to me for 10 min. and was paid 1/2 of my yearly benefits for this office visit. He of course also twisted all the data from the tests that had been intrepreted by my treating physicians and said that even though the tests his staff ran verified evidence of no malingering that i was probably "subconsiously motivated" to not return to work, therefore i should be able to.

There are more horror stories associated with this company that i don't have the energy to dictate. Though there are some very caring humane people who work there, my caseworker was one of the coldest cruelest human beings i have ever spoken with. i guess you have to be to do the kinds of things they are doing to people who rightly are owed their meager livelihoods on disability. the stress of not knowing how you will eat, afford your medicine or pay your mortgage is unimaginably horrible on an already sick body.

but with no prevail.I still have the check and I want some answers and reinstated.

Over the years Hartford life has quit paying me my benefits several times, it then takes two years for their to be enough back pay for an attorney to take the case, then another year or two for them to pay me always before they catch up my back pay and re-start my benefits, I get stuck paying my attorney, suffering all of the worry and problems that go along with not having money. Then another few years pass and it starts all over again.

This time they quit paying me which is always because I never have my drivers license and copy of social security card to them with in fifteen days of their mailing their request letter to me, which I usually get somewhere along the twelfth day after they wrote the letter, the policy states I have ninety days to get to a doctor and have the paper work filled out and returned to them, they also have to give me an extension if I cannot get an appointment with in this time. Last time I looked these numbers have not changed.

This time they quit paying me in 2005, it has ruined my credit I no longer own my home, the court house does form all of the law suits for non payment of bills. I cannot file bankruptcy and keep my home.. I had closed all of the accounts but it did no good they still acquired massive charges.

I too have been followed, taped, and god knows what by private investigators and who knows what else, after reading some of the other complaints I wonder if my prowler problems and peeping tom problems for the last fifteen years has been from Hartford life, I too have had people park and stare I am well used to this, have to wonder if the pay the neighbors to spy and lie about things I also wonder if they are taping my phone calls, taking mail out of my mail box and things of this nature. I only know somebody has been.

I am darn tired of not being able to run my air conditioner or heat more than one room in my home in the winter, I am tired of having to go to the food banks for outdated food, tired of asking the churches for help with the utility bills and get told no I am just out there wasting my money, just what you want to hear when you are in danger of having the utilities turned off. That you are simply a worthless dead beat.

I am darn tired of being haled into court every few months on credit cards bills that are over inflated by hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Tired of having my bank account garnished even though they have to give it back the bank makes out keeping their legal fees. Bank of America was one hundred, the attorneys doing this know I am on ssd and that they cannot touch this meager amount, but it does not stop them from placing garnishments on every bank they can think of, all they while adding charges to the accounts. Should be illegal after the first one.

All of this I can lay at the feet of Hartford Life who in their opinion, I cannot drive a semi any longer but I can drive an escort truck, let me see, one would think that the Methadone, Oxycontin, Topamax just to mention a few of the drugs I take for pain would keep me from driving a truck, but not an escort truck, I can not be responsible to drive said truck just lead it through major city's, and be responsible for the safety of all around it, messed up isn't it. Not to mention it is a day light to dark job driving as hard and fast as you can. I am sure they are going to take care of me when my back goes out and I cannot walk, or help when my bodily functions go awry. As My back specialist says it is simply ridiculous, Hartford Life.

Injured on the job in 2002. Unable to work and became depressed as well. Hartford uses every means available to deny or intimidate individuals to not seek payment. Persisted and was put through the most vicous attacks you can imagine. There surveillance is with 3rd parties which released Hartford of any wrong doing. But lets the investigator (Crook) do as he pleases to get his pictures. I was stalked and photoed continously for years.

Pressure of same and medical problems worsened depression. They would sit outside our home in plain view and made there presence known. My home was filled with holes drilled in the walls and all the window screens where cut with slits. Used outside cameras and they would be cut lines and moved. Lights broken and unscrewed. After 2009 i had enough and sent a letter to them saying i did not wish to pursue this any more due to there vicious ways. In return i again was stalked the last few days by a car parking directly across and they just sit there in plain view. My sanity is worth more than money.

Even though i was receiving benefits which they where offsetting due to social security settlement, I declined to receive future benefits. Everything has halted now and i am forever scarred by the ruthlessness of this Hartford Company. I paid dues for almost 20 years before coming disabled. They also count any income even if it comes to your wife or son. This seems wrong in many ways. Little people seem to have no rights at all in this new corporate world of greed.

I do not trust anyone anymore. Corruption seems to be the order of the day. Scars from this have hurt my sanity, marriage, family and friends. This Hartford company is supposed to help in times of need. But be assured you will go thru sweat shop to get what you deserve. Even then there is a price you will pay. Forever Scarred deeply.

I work for Walmart in shipping and receiving. I had surgery on my left foot on March 11, 2009 and was off for 6 weeks and the Hartford paid me 60% of my base pay with no problem. I returned to work after 6 weeks and worked 8 hours in shipping and receiving and my foot hurt so bad I barely make it through the shift. The next day I went back to my doctor and he gave me 4 more weeks for my foot to completely heal. I filed for 4 more weeks of short term disability and was turned down. Hartford Insurance Company said I was able to go back to work, yet I had a doctor's excuse stating I needed 4 more weeks off work so my foot could heal. I appealed and Hartford turned it down for the same reason. I don't see how I can have short-term disability insurance and have a doctor's excuse for 4 more weeks and Hartford don't have to pay me my money.

I previously wrote about my problems with Hartford Insurance Company and my disability benefits being terminated. My policy was a group disability plan. Therefore, it falls under ERISA Law. ERISA, as I understand it, was created by the insurance lobby to not only protect insurance companies from their bad faith practices, breach of contract, and outright "fraud," but so they continue to perpetuate against good American people who have become disabled.

ERISA Law allows insurance companies to completely screw over people like me and many others who are legitimately sick and count on their disability checks. My monthly check was for $10,000 a month. I have now hired an ERISA lawyer to help gain back my rights to get the money I, as well as my family, rightfully deserve.

However, I no longer believe in long-term disability (LTD). There are essentially no penalties to nail the insurance companies with for their terrible behavior. How ERISA ever got through legislation is beyond me. I do not know what the outcome will be with my case, but as far as my wife, children and I are concerned, we have agreed to take our case all the way to Federal Court.

For all of you out there who became disabled, I do not know what to say. ERISA gives the insurance companies the ability to do basically whatever they want. There is no such thing as long-term disability, unless you're actually brain-dead or something so sever. I believe LTD benefits are the biggest fraud being placed upon people who paid their premiums and are trying to do the right thing so we can still pay for our families needs.

I stated in my previous summary to call your congressman. I now believe that is a waste. They are the same people who allowed this ERISA animal to be placed into law. Good Luck to everyone. We all are going to need it. I would certainly "boycott" all of Hartford's products, and tell everyone you know to do the same. I doubt it will do much good, but who knows? We are going to have to file for bankruptcy. We will lose everything because of them.

I had surgury on 4-1-09 and the target date to return to work was 6-01-09 per the surgeon. I signed a relase for for the harford ins co so they could access the dr, info. they approved me and paid me %60 for my pay till 5-5-09. they stated that no more payments could be made untill they received more info from my family doctor. I complaied and it was fax to them within a few days. i followed up and asked what the status was. they now stated they needed to go back and get more ingo from my family doctor. that to was also fax asap to them.

i waited a week and heard nothing. I then when on line and form my case was closed and no one contacted me. I jumped thru hoops to comply, no response. I called twice and go a superviors voice mail saying i want to appeal. no one returned my calls. I asked them why did they pay me from 4-05-09, till 05-05-09 and not pay me till 6-01-09. they stated i was not in compalance beacsue i did not give them access to my medical insurace provider, they wanted to search back back into my personel records.

i said that is a privacy issue. My surgeon and family dr. gave them what they requseted. I also feel this is issue with HIPPA/OCR. I have been trying to recover and all they did was cold and rude. I am 60 years old and this made me depressed and discouraged. I pay thru susquhanna bank of Pa for my STD. I feel i deserve what little they should pay me. I thank you very much.

In 2004 I was working as an investment banker. I collapsed to the ground when my L4 disc simply shattered. i was approved for long term disability benefits which is $10,000 per month until I am 67 years old. I have been receiving this monthly benefit for approximately 5 years.

The Hartford has continually harrassed my doctors, bombarted them with redundant requests for more and more and more medical information. Like I stated I was approved for LTD benefits after one surgery, I have now had six major spine surgeries and spend most of my days in bed. A few weeks ago I received a letter terminating my benefits even though their own video survelliance showed me doing nothing and my doctor replied to them by stating I am 100% disabled and was totally NOT able to do what they say I should be able to do.

Also, my policy states I must have the same type of job and be guaranteed to make a minimum of $120,000 a year or I am still deisabled. Also, according to their own job study they did on me they stated my occupation was a (FC) for financial consultant. In order to be one I have to have many NASD and Insurance licenses, all of which were terminated in the last few years do to being in one surgery after another and not doing my continuing ed because I am totally disabled.

If there is anyone out there who has experienced the same or similiar conduct of bad faith practices, breach of contract or tortuos interference, should call their congressman, Senators and the like. Dont forget to get your local papers involved.

I fell in my office, hit my head and injured whole left side of body. In Feb 09. I have stage 2 concussion and sprained elbow, arm knee and injured saiatic nerve and compressed disc in lower back as well as infammation of Bursa in left shoulder and hip.

Hartford was contacted by my employer it took them 3 weeks to respond and additional 2 weeks to respond to me. I filled out paperwork answered telephone interview that was taped and was told I would rec'v decision in 1 week. I am in PT right now and my current insurance has expired as of May 01. Hartford has denied my claim stating my fall was no fault of the employers.

My employer terminated my employment after working there 5 years stating he would have to find a replacement for me as I was coming in too many times late from PT or calling in sick since the fall and I cannot rec'v unemployment benefits as he filed a complaint of gross misconduct due to the many complaints of my being late. I was late at least 3 times in past 3 weeks since trying to return part time. I have severe headaches and neck pain and shoulder and back pain which is slowly getting better with PI but now I have no benefits as of May and I cannot pay out of pocet since I have no income. I went from making 27.oo an hour to zero. I am now living on my retirement money and trying to apply for social security benefits and trying to replace my current health insurance. It would cost 450 a month to keep it. I cannot afford it. I do not know if I should pursue this with attorney or not....still deciding and probably will.

I was being paid Disability Benefits by Hartford up until the 26th of January when I did not recieve my benefit check for February. I called and spoke with Jennifer K as to the status and she stated that my benefits have been suspended due to an over payment which has resulted from my being approved for Social Security in November and being back dated to June. This has resulted in a overpayment of over $12,000.00 and needed to be repaid.

When I recieved the letter from Hartford listing the details it showed that they were estimating an amount of $690.00 for my son whom does not live with me and is not considered my dependant as a result of a Divorce. I pay $914.00 per month for Child Support($614.00) and Spousal Support($300.00). I feel that this is an error as this would be double jeopardy financially on me as I have to pay his support and pay Hartford for what he is recieving under Social Security. I have contacted Support Enforcement in California which is where he resides with his Mother and this is where we were Divorced and they state that Social Security is a seperate enity and has no basis on what I pay as far as support for him however what I recieve from Social Security is considered income and is used to base what I pay in Support as well as what I recieve from Hartford. So I ask why is Hartford holding me responsible for what he is recieving from Social Security. What is wrong with our system.

This has caused a huge finacial impact on me as I now recieve $2,752.16 less in my income. I have had to call my creditors and let them know that I can not make my regulary scheduled payments and really do not know when or how I can make them up. I also am only paying $300.00 in support at the present due to my income change so this is also making me in the arrears on my support obligation

After paying premiums for long term disability for over 19 years, and recieving disability payments for nearly 2 years, I was recently awarded Social Security Disability for multiple conditions.Since I notified The Hartford of the award, they decided to suspend payments to me, siting an overpayment and requesting I send them all that Social Security has determined me to be entitled to plus an additional amount that equals thousands of dollars.They have also inquired about disability entitelments for my dependent child. They never paid anything for my child, so what's their interest.

Among other things, I am a type 1 diabetic who suffers from Sarchoidosis of the skin and kidneys, this instant determination by The Hartford has increased my already stress levels to a point where additional medications are needed, I have been to sereral hospitals in the area this month alone mor than 8 times. If not for friends and family I don't know what I would do.

I got injured at work i torn tendions in my rt. hand hartford waited almost 4 weeks to send me 1st. check was for wrong amount by half and only 2 weeks next 2 checks were sent after 4 weeks each but only for 2 weeks each then stopped sending checks and canceled my surgery without notifiying me and i am a union carpenter and can not return until i have surgery to repair hand so now its been 6 weeks and i had to get a lawyer involved and i have no answers yet

fell behind on everything they did not send check until 2 days before christmas so did not recieve until 3 day after i have 2 young children

for years we paid our primiums then I was hurt in ATV accident .I broke my leg in a remote area and was rescued by a rural voluntier rescue group. Now hartford keeps asking for documnitation that is not available .so far it has been 6 mons.and many hosp. forms from two hosps. , reports that there were no reports by the police . We are still getting the run around. And they never return phone calls. Just HORRIABLE to work with avoid Hartford if you want to use your insurance ever.

I had a total hip replacement done on 7/9/2008 and applied for short term disability with The Hartford. I recieved 12 weeks of benefits. I went to a follow up visit with my surgeon who advised me that he was not going to allow me to return to work for another 3 months. I applied to have my benefits extended to cover me until my return to work. In New York State we are entitled to a total of 26 weeks. The Hartford faxed my surgeon the relevent forms and he duly filled them out and sent them back. I decided to call the Hartford to find out the status of my claim and was told he had not sent what they asked for (consultation notes etc) nowhere on the form does it ask for these. I was told it was my responsibility to ensure that they recieved everything they needed.

I then called them to verify that they had recieved everything they needed and was told yes, it would now go up for review. I called regularly to request the status of my claim, often not getting answers as per their policy, which a representitive on the phone told me was that they are meant to call you back the same business day if you have left a message on the voice mail, which I always did. Finally a young man pulled up my name on his computer and said he could see all the calls I had made and was going to email a supervisor about this. In a short space of time my anylist called me and informed me that my request for my benefits to be extended had been denied.

Firstly I dont understand how these companies can totally ignore anything that my orthopaedic surgeon had said. I know I can appeal but I have already been without my money for 3 weeks and cannot afford to wait fot the appeal process.They have tied my hands behind my back because if I go back to work against my Dr's orders I cannot appeal and should I get hurt my medical insurance could refuse to pay for any further treatment.

On researching over the internet I was amazed at how many comlaints have been made against this company for the same kind of problems that I have had, surely somebody can do something about this. I have already contacted the NY Insurance board about this and filed a complaint but what to do about money in the meantime. It seems to me that The Hartford are more than aware that many people can not afford to wait for an appeal and in desperation return to work against the advice of their Dr's which in turn lets them off the hook.

I worked for a big oil company in South America. I caught a Varicella zoster virus-visceral zoster in the genitourinary system (internal pain was/is tremendous in the private parts) fall of 1998 LTD started spring of 1999 terminated 2005-appealed and reinstated 6 months later....terminated 2007 appealed reinstated 6 months later.Settled out of court for $100,000.00-they owed me twice as much. I could not work a 8 hour day 40 hours a week without laying down at times/wear sweats/ in a non stress atmosphere. I suffered nerve damage in several internal organs that affect me to this day and take narcotics to control my pain.

I was video'd for 6 months 4 dvd's worth showing me shopping and working in my yard. Yes they will be watching. I won every termination due to amount of paperwork I kept and answered all termination reasons in my appeal with doctors backing my claim with there letters as well. I also had to return $16,000.00 back to Hartford that I received from Social Security as Hartford stated I was overpaid-I am totally disabled by Social Security as well.

I believe why Hartford settled was I found out my company pulled 100,000 policys from Hartford and at that time I was video'd-terminated and when I was going to bring this up in court I was offered a settlement in 2008. 1.Hartford tried to come to my house-I refused. 2.LTD CANNOT be trusted on anything. 3.Keep all paperwork of illness/meds/doctors and be sure to inform doctors that your LTD carrier will try to change their minds/or fax letters to sign in LTD favor....been there and done it. ERISA gives most all the benefits to big insurers policy holders get the shaft....Good luck to all as the last 10 years were hell on earth to me and my family.

Terminations and appeals will make one have depression as well as financial distress to the utmost and big LTD companys know this and work it in there favor. If one needs LTD coverage do not use an employer LTD company...get a private policy to get away from ERISA! Good Luck....been there and done it all on my own and it was a very hard thing to accomplish.

Disability.

I was on Short-Term Disability and then Long-Term Disability with the Hartford Insurance Company,Which I took out through Wal-Mart when I hired in years ago.Anyway they stopped my Long-Term Disability claim in Dec.2007 they told me that would be my last check that I could do another job in there opinion.This put myself and my family in a mess with no income,I could'nt buy my medication I needed or anything. As of right now I have a Attorney and we have sued the Hartford for my benifits they owe me,in the mean time I have been approved for my Social Security Disability I recieve no where's near enough money to live on.

The Hartford owes me the difference between what I got form them and what I now get from SSD. They are a sorry good for nothing company that lies to you on what you get if you have to use there Insurance plan.They need a stop put on them on how they handle there claims you have to go through there BS to get anything started and they can stop it anytime they feel like it and you basiclly have to either sue them or give up.

The results have caused my blood pressure to be high and all the stress I can't begain to tell you.We almost lost our house, could,nt buy food,could,nt buy my medication or see my family Doctor etc.

I recently had a Baby and am suffering from severe Post Partum depression that has been diagnosed by two Doctors. I have completed all necessary paperwork and they ignore the Doctor's recomendations. They act like they are working on things but do nothing. They say it takes 5-6 business days for processing and you give them that then you contact them for an update and they have done nothing and then request additional paperwork which they ignore. It is harassment that is making my condition worse. My Dr says it may take a few months to heal and they are only approving 5-10 day extensions that require large amounts of paperwork that they do not except anyway. By the time I get the approval from the last Dr visit processed, my extension has expired.

My house may go into Foreclosure and I am a single mother and if I do not heal soon, I may not be able to return to work. I need them to stop harassing me so that I can get better!!

After 26 years on Disability, Hartford denied any more payments after May 2008. I just turned 60, as have others I have found on the Web. They did no medical examination, just a DVD showing me eating breakfast and shopping for a 2-3 period during the week. I have unpredicitable, freguent headaches that a disabling. Out of a 24 hour period, I am lucky to have 3-5-4 hours where the headache is painful but not requiring bed rest. There is no way to determine which hours out of the 24 that would be. Having to cash in all Life Insurance and other sources of income. Living in an RV on my sisters land. Electric bills of over $100 are being covered by her. Stress has caused high blood pressure and angina, esp at night.

On 4/28/08 I fell at a clients house, I work for bathfitters, They redo bathrooms, I injured my back and neck. I went to patient first which is where they told me to go. To this day i have not been paid for lost wages. I have a lawyer but that is a circus of problems. Bathfitters also fired me and gave the the reason of i am still getting service calls back on my jobs that i did while i was employed. (there is a guy there that when he was first hired, cost the company $26,000.00 in damages because of putting a screw in a pipe and the people went on vacation and came back to a flooded house. And yet they fired me because i couldnt work.)

The Doctor released me to lite duty, i worked for a week or so and i could not take the concriete floor and the driving, So i went back to the Doctors and got a excuse to be off, The same day they called me and let me go. My credit cards are maxed out and my girlfriend is also out of $, I used her $ to. I havent paid my child support in 3 months. I look like a deadbeat to my x and my girlfriend is going to leave me if somthing dosent happen soon.

Hartford insurance has paid my medical bills but it takes forever. I am still in pain, my back and neck are worse. I am suppose to get a steriord shot for my back but it will be 1 week and 2 days. NO money and still suffering. I have talk to a lot of people and they have never heard of it taking so long for money and treatment. People are tired of talking at me, This has taken over my life and stressed me and everbody out. Why is the system so slow. Is it because of other jerks taking advantage of the system. This is so unfair.

I went out for mental illness.They sent me for a evaluation for memory loss.They approved me but they held back five months because it is something they do.They tried there best to get me on SSI,so they wouldn't have to pay. well i got approved for SSI in July they hold back a month so I want get a check for that month,so that put me in the hole for 1,200.00. They said it would be no out of pocket charges for what money i owed them back after I got approved through SSI. Then they claimed I didn't tell them I got my pension out to live off of until I got approved for disability. Then they told me what money i got a month was also determined with a dependent which is my 14 year old daughter.

So they told me I owed 96.00x the 5 months plus owed the money back they had paid me for my daughter,because SSI was paying her now. So now I am having to pay everything back that me and her got back pay from SSI,Plus another 2,000.00, because they said I didn't tell them all these things, when I know I did. They also put my first electronic deposist in someone elses account because of mistake in the bank account number which they got wrong.

I just don't think when you pay disability insurance for 14 years thinking they are going to have your back,so you want loose everything you got. They get your money all those years, then pay you a couple months making you think they care and then you end up paying almost as much back as you recieved from them. You would be better to take what money you paid a month and put it in your on savings so you will have it to fall back on. Hartford sure want help you in hard times.They take your money and you will never get much of it back.

I am her husband, and I am trying to get this out and help her..Now she has depression and has to see someone for that also and takes about 4 different meds. It just doesn't make since that when you need help the most the Hartford just don't care.

Iin June 2008 we recieved a letter from Hartford stating that my daughter benefits had been terminated because they could not get the medical file from her DR. Well the adjusta did not mail anything she faxed paper work to UMMC in Jackson MS. When she was suppose to send to releash of information for the medical records.

The other company for her social security benefit did recieve records because they mailed a letter to them not fax one. The other company sent me records of one visit they had from this year and they had not requested the rest for the year. when I faxed that to them they said it was not enough to open up the claim.And that they would send it through they appeal process. to see what happens with it.

But her adjustar has been real rude to us about it being our responsibility to get all med. records to her. And my daughter have memory lost after her seizures and she sleeps a lot she have had upto 8 seizures a day and she will be like a rag doll she just flops.she have 2 kids and I have to raise them. Hartford said her LTD disability will last till she get 65 years she is now 28 years old she worked on her job with having some seizures and my other daughter worked there also she worked from 1998-2005 and she was having them back to back till when I drop her off at work I would have to come back and get her and sometimes bring her clothes because of a accident she had. She started on short term in 6 mos. went to long term and this was it till JUNE 2008

My daughter was having two to three seizures a day and now it is gone back up till about 8 daily her brain is in a strain with that many in a day her memory is very bad she's very depressed we have no income but my social security and I have her two children and three more of my grands live with me.We have been trying to find agency to help pay some of our bills but we have not found no luck with it she applied for medicaid but its unknown if they approve it are not we are unsure how we can pay our bill next month and its a shame to have someone do anybody this way Government or Attorney General does nothing about it.

I was employed with The Hartford Insurance Company, back in 1966 until 1978. I am sure that I was entitled to a pension plan, that I participated in. The company claim they have no record of me being employed with their company. They must have records of my employment in their files somewhere.

Due to economic hardship. I have retired. I am in need of the penison I am entited to. I put in many hours of labor that entitles me to benefits due at my time of need. The Hartford Insurance Company has not service me justice. The consequenes that I have endured are aniexty, depression, and mental stress trying to get justications of getting assess to my pension.

I was injured at work (Wal-mart, inc) and they sent me to a doctor, who after months of ineffective treatment said my injury was not work related. So I sought medical treatment from the VA and they found a herniated disk in my cervical spine. This herniated disk was also present in the MRI that the worker comps doctor took and did not look at (I know this because when I tried to give him the disc with the images on it he said it was my souviner and to keep it) so long story short, wal-mart refuses to pay my workers comp sayin I was not injured at work and the Hartford won't pay my short term disability, claiming that because Wal mart will not admit or deny it was a work injury, and because if it is a work injury they won't pay, and because worker's comp won't give a definative denial letter (they claim my lawyer didn't file the paperwork properly)

They are denying my claim. I submitted paperwork from wal-mart stating that they and their doctor claim it is not a work related injury, that is not sufficient enough because I had an independent medical evaluation done by my attorney's doctor stating it was work related that it opens the door for future possible worker's compensation monies, therefore the Hartford will not pay my insurance, but if they would pay my insurance then I am required to repay them any monies they give me if I receive worker's compensation or if I file and am awarded Disability.

This has put me in dire finacial straits. I went from having a good job and what I thought was finacial security (i.e. insurance) to living off of food stamps and my girlfriends disability check. I am about to lose my house, car, and everything. I was never told when I signed up for Hartford insurance all the restrictions, or I would never have joined. I paid this company for security and I have to rely on the VA and the state instead and the Hartford took my money.

During my pregnancy I have experienced pregnancy related problems, and was asked by my doctor to stop working immediately. However, the Hartford insurance did not think that pregnancy related problems are good enough reasons for me to stop working two weeks before my due date, and I was denied for any benefits. They are still denying me everything, even my c-section recovery. I left work 6 weeks before my due date, however I also have delivered two weeks before my due date.

When I was talking to someone from Hartford on the phone, they told me that I would qualify for the short disability only if I have left my work two weeks before my due date. Even when I explained them my health problems that were affecting my baby and me, and faxed them over appeal letter, notes, and letters from my doctor, they still are denying me.

I dont know what to do anymore. I had no money to cover my hospital bills and no money to pay my health insurance. Therefore, I had no choice but to quit my job and get free state insurance, so I can take my baby to her doctor visits. I still have to money, I defiantly can not afford a lawyer to help my with this situation.

In June of 2005 I was informed by my doctors that my Cancer had returned. I was then informed that I would have to have another Stem Cell Transplant. I applied for Short Term Disability and filled out all the necesssary paper work. It was obvious already that this would lead to long term disability. When selecting my benefits package, I opted for the Long Term Disabillity which guaranteed me 60% of my gross salary. While explaning our benefits package, at no time we were told that our benefits were based upon income from other sources. Neither is it written in the policy handbook that was given to us by ITT.

Upon receiving Long Term Disability, I receieved a letter from the Hartford telling me that I had to apply for Social Security. I was also told that the amount I received from Social Security would be deducted from my disability. I told them that this was not the benefit package that I signed up for and showed them that this was not in the policy handbook that was given to us by ITT. I was told that this agreement was between the Hartford and ITT and that it was ITT responsiblity to tell us about this agreement. I again asked why wasn't any of this in our benefits handbook in which I received no answer. After receiving my transplant, my condition got worse and I had to have another transplant.

During this period I started receiving SSI. When I reported my SSI income to the Hartford, they said that I was overpaid and they took my entire disability payments. Currently I donot receive any disability at all. I was told that I will not receive any disability payments until they recoup what they consider was overpayment. I asked about an appeal process and was told that there was no appeal process. I was told that there decision was final and that there was nothing I could do but accept it. I then requested a copy of the handbook that stated this. I was sent three copies of the handbooks that was passed out by ITT.

Finally, upon further prodding, I was sent a copy of their proposed handbook which is clearly different and spelled out in detail the benefits. I cannot understand why we were led to believe we were getting one coverage, while in fact we were getting another. I was told that any income I receieve will be deducted from my disabiility. The purpose of my purchasing this insurance was to make sure that I would be able to take care of my family during my time of illness.

Due to the fact that they have now taken all of my income, the stress alone has caused me numerouos health issues. I have problems sleeping at nights. Im in jeopardy of losing my home. I can't even pay for my medicine. Currently I take medication for high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, neuropathy, and my doctors feel that I am depressed. How can they just take every dime that I paid for. Im paying for an insurance that I am not getting any coverage for. At this moment right now I have 5 Prescriptions that's at the pharmacy right now, that I need to take but I don't have the money to pay for them. I struggle to make doctor's appointments because I can't afford the gas to get there. I have to see at least 7 different specialists a week.

Battling this Terminal Cancer is hard enough without having to fight with Hartford Disability for something I've paid for. Please, please help me get my disability restarted. This is totally unfair. I have testimonials from other clients who have gone through the same thing including a former worker for the Hartford that was told the same thing that I was.We were told that we would receive 60% of our income and I think that the Hartford need to honor it's agreement. My wife has Power of Attorney over all my affairs due to the nature of my illness and has full rights to act and make decisions on my behalf. The illness that I have is Multiple Myeloma.

I was diagnosed with a disease in which I had to have chemo type drugs for almost a year. All this due to a car accident from years back. But the policy was suppose to pay me benefits. They did. But Not with out circumstances. I have had 33 operations. Total hip replacement, spinal fusion, cervical diskectomy and many others to relieve the pain. Nothing works. Now I am on 200mg Oxy a day to relieve the pain. When I leave the house it is timed so that it is after I take my meds so I feel better. I have to admit, I thought they were doing pretty good in administering my claim.

But things changed. As I read these comments above I see a lot that was done to me. They harassed myself as well as family members and especially my 72 year old mother. They (the PI they hired) parked right in front of her apartment with their lights on with them set right on in the living room. They just sit there. Watching to see what time we went to bed and what time we got up.

Folks, ALL I GOT TO SAY IS DON'T BELIEVE A WORD THEY TELL YOU. They sound so nice over the phone but.... The examiner they had come out to the house also took everything I said out of context. He worded it to fit what he needed me to say. The PI's lied on about 80% of the report. IT was after this I knew I could not trust them 1%. In their termination letter they stated many false accusations and used these to terminate my benefits the end of the year. WITHOUT ANY NOTIFICATION, until it was said and done.

I hired an attorney, who wasn't even an ERISA attorney. I should have used an ERISA attorney. I spent $6000 on fees, including hiring a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist that works for Social Security, yes FOR social security. His jaw dropped when he went through my file. The insurance company said out of 13000 jobs, they found 3 that I could do. Strange thing, no one knew what those jobs were. But they did pay the required amount to satisfy my claim defination of disabled. So they said I could do those jobs. Unfortunately, who is going to hire someone who is taking 13 different types medication especially 200mg Oxycontin a day. I would most certainly be a liability. I believe The Hartford terminates claims knowing that the customers can not hire attorneys because they cant afford them. I had 3 doc's at the time stating I was disabled. But they got some Hired Hands to review my records, and not even meet me, and determine that I was in fact able to work. My benefits were terminated without warning. And if you are on disability you know it comes at a price.

I appealed their decision, and according to ERISA they can request yet ANOTHER 45 days to make up their minds. Which is exactly what they did. Causing me even more hardship. My credit was ruined, I was homeless and like many other I though seriously about SUICIDE. Folks, I think that is exactly what they want us to do. Get rid of us and they don't have a claim. I think that once you have been approved for Social Security Disability, they should be a limit as to what they can do to you after that.

i have been on dis. for over 10 years .now harford put me out of my benfet .i have 6 mo to apeal .but i am wore out .it have been 5 mo. with out check .my doctor said i am disbilty .i will never get better .at time i just want to die to get out of pain .hartfort will be glad if i did thay have made it hard for the last 10 years

thay were supto to help me till age 65 thay even offter me i think over 40,000.00 but i need the checks over the years and i decline the 40. so thay say i could work and cut me off .if i cant work ,i cant belive tay can take me checks

i have been on dis. for over 10 years. now harford put me out of my benfet. i have 6 mo to appeal but i am wore out. it have been 5 mo. with out check. my doctor said i am disbilty. i will never get better. at time i just want to die to get out of pain. hartfort will be glad if i did. thay have made it hard for the last 10 years. thay were supposed to to help me till age 65. thay even offer me i think over 40,000.00 but i need the checks over the years and i decline the 40. so thay say i could work and cut me off. if i cant work, i cant belive thay can take me checks

I have been on LTD through The Hartford since 2/07. I recently met with someone in my home to review my claim as the one year mark approached. Everything I said and explained to him was taken out of context. I have an autonomic dysfunction that is very hard to explain to others. There are many symptoms that I experience. They knew I was going to an endocrinologist as my adrenal glands aren't functioning properly and having additional blood work, etc. performed. They didn't wait for the new results, they disagreed with my cardiologist who has been treating me for over three years as I've gotten progressively worse. The people they have reviewing the claim and judging whether you can or cannot function daily do not treat you, see you on a daily basis, etc. I did not lie about any duties I am able to perform or not perform.

They videotaped me for four days, without my knowledge out of 18 months out of work and decided I could sit for 8 hrs a day even though my blood pressure drops while sitting, my face swells, my heart will race, the same symptoms I get while standing or walking. My cardiologist documented all of this and explained to them I've had episodes in her office while sitting but they don't care. I just received a letter that they cut off all benefits, including what health insurance I had left for the next few months. Now I have no income, no insurance for myself and daughters and don't know where to turn. I don't see how they can do this to people and put their lives at risk. I now face the possibility of losing my car, my home, etc. How can they get away with not listening to the doctors who have been treating you?

I am now losing my monthly income and insurance benefits for myself and daughters that I should have had until August. My illness gets worse with stress and I have been a mess since all of this. Because they don't understand the autonomic dysfunction and everything that goes with that, they decided I didn't need the benefits and could work. I risk losing everything I own!

I am on Workman's Comp. due to an on the Job Injury. I have a hard time getting my money from them. I cannot get anyone to respond or return calls. This has been an ongoing battle from day one. I have a doctors stating I cannot perform my previous duties and now no one wants to talk with me or send me my owed money. I have had to fight with them on many occasions.

I have a son with some major Medical Problems. Due to this, I cannot get my bills paid and all the needed care for my son.

I purchased long term disability insurance from Union Secure for union members. The policy was issued by Hartford. My injury occured on 8-22-07 and I filed a claim with Hartford. I sent in the claim form with doctor statements and was told the claim was being investigated. I then contacted them and the said they needed a wage statement from my employer. After that was received, they said it did not break down the overtime. So after a lot of back and forth, I finally asked the adjuster why he could not just do the math. I am guaranteed 40 hrs. a week and anything after that is overtime. He told me he would take the extra step to help me out.

Now they are saying I received my policy amount from workers comp and they will not pay the claim. I purchased this insurance because I wanted to make sure I would be able to cover all my bills in the event of an injury at work. Is there something that can be done about this? I would not have purchased this insurance if it was stated on the application I filled out that they would not cover me if I received worker's comp because I know they will pay me max benefits.I have been stoned walled throughout this experience by the Worker's comp adjuster and Hartford insurance adjuster.

I was placed on short term disability early during my pregnancy, at approximately week 20. I had various complications, and my doctor told me to take leave and would back up to the beginning of the week (when I initially took leave). I conducted every phone call, follow-ups, and a lot of frustrating/pressuring messages to get my employer and doctor to get EVERYTHING that Hartford continued to say they needed. At various times I was told everything was received, and then 48-72 hours later I would call--having not heard from Hartford. I would be told that they still needed something, and my barrage of calls to employer/doctor would start again.

Once I got everything to Hartford it took them over 72 hours to make a decision, and again I had to call them to find out that they were denying me. Their reasoning was that I had a 5-day lapse of no work before the doctor placed me on leave. But, the reality is: I did not. The week prior to being placed on leave was Thanksgiving week, I had Wed. off (pre-approved by my employer for my mid-pregnancy ultrasound). Thursday was Thanksgiving, and Friday was a paid holiday for my employer. I have argued this and have been told that I can appeal once I receive a letter from Hartford with all of that information. However, here I am a week later and nothing.

I am set for eviction in one week, my car insurance has expired, I cannot afford diapers for my 2-year-old, and am now 8 months pregnant and without income.

I submitted a personal health application and was requesting weekly short term disability. I received a letter from The Hartford insurance company saying Your request for Weekly Disability has been declined based on the personal and medical information provided. Specifically, this request was declined because the heigh and weight measurements of 5 feet 3 inches and 190 pounds are not within our acceptable underwriting risk paramenters. I am a perfectly healthy 26 year old female, I am a non smoker, I am on no medication. The Hartford basically called me Fat and Unhealthy!

This has dragged out 4 years now and I am losing my house, my car and most of my possessions. My credit is shot. I am stressed and depressed. My attorney fees have eaten up most of my savings.

I was a Hartford employee for 20 years, working as a team leader in the claims department, along with several other jobs along the way. I was injured at work in 1996, suffering annular tears in two discs in my back. Every year I am sent a questionnaire asking me for the same information. Every year I send it back telling them what I can and cannot do. The doctors have filed their forms as well.

Hartford has somehow gotten the idea that I can perform work within my limitations to the tune of 10-15 hours per week. Yesterday I received a letter saying that they are terminating my right to my Group Life Insurance benefits because I am not disabled. Is this a precursor to them terminating my Long Term Disability benefits, which I happily paid for throughout my career? How can they say I can work when limited to 10 hours per week with restrictions of not being able to sit for an hour and stand for 1/2 hour? It's ludicrous. Not to mention that The Hartford apparently didn't contact any of my other medical providers, specifically my Pain Specialists, who I see every month for very strong pain meds including Morphine, Neurontin, and Clonipin.

How can I find a good ERISA attorney, one whom can and will fight for my rights, and when is someone going to take The Hartford on in a class action suit about their LTD policies? I'd like to know the outcome of anyone else's problems with The Hartford. It seems the big corporations are able to run roughshod over their former employees and everyone turns their heads the other way.

If they stop my disability payments I will be reduced to supporting my family on the money I get from Social Security disability. I will not have any health insurance benefits for them although I will still have Medicare. I made good money and my LTD payments along with my Social Security are 70% of my prior pay, so there is a substantial amount at stake.

My long term disability with Hartford should have started 8/1/07. I have been in contact and gave all they requested, overnight and faxing when required. I did not hear anything about my case until I checked on-line, 10/15/07, and saw I would be getting a check for $326. This was for 3 months they owed me. I should be getting 60% of my $66,000 a year salary. I received the check for $326 on 10/16 with no explanation.

I have had to sell things to keep from losing everything I worked for, not counting the stress and mental anguish Hartford has put me through.

2 years ago in 2004 I suffered a stroke. The cause at the time was due to bone movement in my neck and narrowing of caratoid arteries. i had fusion surgery to correct the neck problem. I was sent home with a walker to steady myself while irecovered. And was told to walk with a cane to balance as the stroke caused right sided numbness from face to leg. i've also suffered memory loss from the stoke. Short term disability kicked in and was paid.

Then it was Hartfords turn...They originally approved the claim. 6 Months later they followed me for a week. They have 3 minutes in whole on film. They have me leaving the drugstor and hobbling to my care ( It was raining) They say i was skipping joyfully along....They have a picture of me tying my shoe and that's it.. They terminated my claim along with insurrance coverage for my entire family.. My youngest son has asthma !.. Luckily my spouse was able to pick us up through the same company..However,, They denied coverage for me for life insurrance .. The company of was Hartford.. stating due to a preexsisting Stroke !!!

I appealed to no avail..They stated that the neurologist failed to perform a specific test. The story i read above is right they look for anything to deny claims.. This is bad faith...

i was approved for SS benefits they state I'm permantly disabled but the amount comes no where near what we need for everyday living..i was the primary breadwinner for the family and I paid in the maximum ammount on this policy for 9 years. This is stressful on my entire family and has caused us a great hardship.. What can we do to bring these folks to justice?

I was taken out on medical leave back in April of 2007 by my physician. Since filing with The Hartford Group, they have stopped payment on my insurance for many reasons! First, it took them over 6 weeks to receive first pay. I then received only 2 paychecks and was cut off again stating information from my physician has not been received. It took over 8 weeks for them to reopen my claim. I then received 3 weeks pay and was cut off again stating information not received again! I have been in contact with my physicians office and they state that they have been calling and leaving messages and have sent necessary paperwork to continue with my disability but yet The Hartford Group denies all calls being received and that no paperwork has been received!

I was a Hartford employee with 7 years of service when I became disabled. I contributed towards my LTD benefits every pay check. On Nov.16, 2005 I had extensive back surgery which included instrumentation. I returned to my job as a Claims Specialist on March 3, 2006 on a work hardening program which was to start out with reduced hours and work my way back into full time hours. In March I slipped and fell down some stairs @ home causing neck, shoulder and right arm pain. In July 2006 I also came down with Epstein Barr Virus. I found it difficult to work due to neck pain, headaches and numbness in my right arm and severe fatigue. However, upon my return to work in March 2006 I immediately received a negative performance review and felt as though my job was in jeopardy.

However, on July 25, 2006 Hartford terminated my LTD benefits knowing full well I had a follow up visit scheduled for July 27, 2006 with my surgeon. I worked full time hours through Aug.3, 2006 at which time I was taken out of work by my Internal Medicine doctor secondary to the Epstein Barr Mono Virus. Even though my surgeon did give me permanent reduced work hours after my visit to him and was taken out of work by my Internal Med doc, my benefits remained denied.

I have suffered emotionally and physically because of this horrible experience. My family has also suffered. I have had to take out two home equity loans to pay bills and also took money out of my 401K to pay hospital bills. Everyday is a struggle.

I know what Judy (disability insurance) is going through. In 1997 I injured myself and filed for benefits under Hartford Insurance Co..

I was approved, and received benefits, after retaining counsel. However, in the 12 years of receiving benefits, Hartford claims I can return to full time employment. Every 2 years I am photographed, followed and minutely examined by their doctors and henchmen. I must pay an attorney thousands of dollars each time.

Every year they pour through confidential records to find even the slightest discrepancy. If I say I can walk for 45 minutes, they jump and threaten to stop benefits if I've walked for 47 minutes. I am a puppet on a string.

I am under an increasing load of debt; Hartford pays no interest and no penalties when stopping my benefits for up to 8 months. I incur attorney fees. I can never get out of debt. The last doctor (IME) which Hartford sent me to hurt me so much during the examination that I was bedridden for over a month. Hartford knows I can't fight back.

This is insane. Why isn't anyone fighting these people? Is it because there is no federal law protecting us? Do we, like Judy, rely on our own state's laws, which may or may not cover us? My moving to another state (other than CA) with less stringent state laws, has resulted in an immediate investigation of me by Hartford. I can't move out of state because of the threat of being booted off my disability.

Incidentally, I also have SS disability; the federal government has stated I'm 100% permanently disabled. Hartford won't accept that. Read Ray Bhouris' book.

I came down with a disabling illness around 1996. By 2000 I was forced by my DR. to go on long term disability. I applied with my employer under the terms of a long term disability policy that my employer had purchased for me for several years with the Hartford. Under the terms of the policy my employer covered the disability payments for six months and then the payments were transfered to the Hartford.

Initially the Hartford granted my request for disability payments but for only two years under their mental disease exception. During those two years I went to the Mayo Clinic twice in an attempt to find out what was causing my symptoms. The Mayo clinic referred me to Oregon Health Science University where ther diagnosed my condition and notified The Hartford of my diagnosis. The Hartford then granted my long term disability and paid the contract disability payments through June of 2007.

They then dropped my claim with a long bogus explanation that did not include any reference to my primary diagnostic condition or physician. I plan to appeal.

This discontinuation of my long term disability payments has reduced my income by 60% and will eventually eat up all our savings and we will lose our home if the payments are not reinstated.

I am retired USAF and was working after retirement and became unable to work .I collected LTD from CNA for about 14 years, Then some how the Hartford to over my payments, Just before I turned 60 years old they started screwing with me, they terminated my payments at 60 years, 3 months old and and then denied my appeal even after having 11 hour spinal decompression L-2 to S-1surgery at the VA. I contact a lawyer who said I had a good case but would not take it for there wasn't enough money left since I was 60. People have told me the Hartford and other companies terminate payments of people at around 60 for they know we have no way to fight since the lawyers will not take the cases because the LTD policies only paid to 65.

I was forced into my last spinal decompression L-2 to S-1 surgery after they terminated my LTD, Surgery was ok after and now I am returning to as before.They took 3 very short pictures of me, One getting into my car, they say I drove to the supermarket, no pictures of me there. Then a picture of picking up a newspaper in my front yard. thrn carrying a small package up my front steps.at the time I was on 60mg of slow release  Morphine 2X's daily and immedate release morphine when needed for pain.Funny they don't have anything else and I had been on LTD since 1992.

I had Hartford long term disability paid to me for 36 months for my degenerative disc and joint disease which I am also on Social Security Disability (not SSI). Anyhow, I go to the doctor who is also one of the doctor's used by our state's workman's comp and Social Security to determine eligibility as well as my primary care physician. Both, plus a surgeon said that I would progressively get worse and was unable to sit for longer than 8 minutes and could not stand at all for very long. I am on narcotic pain meds and have to rest during the day.

Hartford paid me for my disability and according to them after my 36 months of payment my condition miraculously improved so I coould return to work. However, they had my doctor's statements as early as March of this year and paid me after that for several months. Then, when my 36 months was up, I became able to return to work. I would love to go back to work, but everyone says I'm a liability. I even tried to get health insurance and was told by several major insurance companies that I'm a liability and unable to be insured by them. I just don't understand when my employer told Hartford that they would not allow me to work on narcotics and they allowed me to get my disability payments, how all of a sudden now I'm able to work. It does not make any sense to me.

I can't afford an attorney to fight them and after reading other peoples complaints I don't think it would do much good. I still get my Social Security but it is putting a financial bind on my family and we will probably lose everything that I worked for when I was working because of this.

In 1999 I received short term disability benefits from Hartford. In October 1999 my Long Term Disability Benefits started. I received a letter in December 2000 stating my benefits were terminated as of November 2000 because I misrepresented my claim. Hartford performed a couple of surveillances and seen me go to a doctors appointment they scheduled me for and to the grocery store on the same day. They said I was capable of doing more than I reported.

On my application for long term disability benefits I did report that I went to doctors appts and to the grocery store, I have two children. After the first surveillance of two days Hartford had me on video moving my vehicle which was for about 10 seconds. On the second surveillance, which lasted three days Hartford did not get me on video the first or the third day. The only day they videoed me was the days they scheduled a functional capacity evaluation. Hartford also reported me to the Ohio Department of Insurance for Fraud.

I represented myself and filed a claim in Federal Court against Hartford. I won the first case. Hartford then appealled the court decision and I also won the appeal. Financially Hartford has ruined me, my home was in Foreclosure, my children were without electric and we have all suffered tremendously. But I am not through yet. ERISA law needs to be changed and I intend to do that.

I was recently denied my long term disabilty claim from THE HARTFORD after paying them through WALMART for over three years. What am I paying for Long Term Disability Insurance in my paycheck when they automatically deny a worker when he is in need of this benefit and have a chart of denial guideline to deny me my entitlement of my benefit?

This is called making money off of an associate between Walmart and Hartford Insurance Company and not providing this quote great Benefit. Plus they say this is a Walmart policy. In February I started getting huge blisters on my feet and ended up in the ER to have them taken care of. I am a diabetic but have never had any problems with my feet or legs. My doctors told me I could go back to work in a week but that I was to take a break every two hours and elevate them, which should not have been a problem as an assistant manager I have plenty of paper work to do and therefore this would not have to be considered a break.

The general store manager had no problem with that, he appeared to be glad to have me back (BTW, I have used only 1 sick day in 10 years ); however, as soon as he would leave the co-manager would not allow me to do this. The minute I sat down she would MAKE me go do something else. Within 2 weeks I could hardly walk and the pain was so bad I ended up at a neurologist. At first, he'd thought I would be able to get back to my job within 6 weeks but as of now he has me out until September which will make 7 months. I have had physical therapy, seen the podiatrist, bought home medical equipment and done everything that they have all told me do. Hartford denied the claim, saying that neuropothy was a pre existing condition because everyone who has diabetes will eventually get neuropathy in their feet. When I questioned them about the information provided to them and by what doctors, they had my sleep study doctor down as saying that he had seen me for the diabetes.

Thank goodness for my wife's health insurance though her employer. I have been on hers ever since she was able to pick it up. My salary continuance ends in 2 paychecks. I don't know if I can file for unemployment with the doctor's restrictions. I have not been idle while out on leave, but finished completing my paralegal degree that I have been working on, along with taking advantage of free computor courses offered through our local work force. I'll never be able to go back to a stand up job, the nerve damage is so severe that if I am on them for more than 10-15 minutes I have to find a place to sit down. I don't want to be out of work, I am only 43 but I do need to get over this hurdle without falling through the cracks.

I have short-term disability insurance through my work. My employer chose The Hartford Group to take care of short-term disability claims. I was scheduled for a spinal cord stimulation implant surgery to remedy chest wall pain that I have suffered with for two years. The Hartford Group requested that I call the last day I work before my surgery to start the claim, March 13. (It would be too easy for them to start working on the claim before the surgery....) I called and was told that the work would be started on my claim. About seven days after this call, I received a letter from The Hartford Group. They agreed to pay for one day off, March 21. The days off from March 14-March 20 would come out of my paid time off as an elimation period... Wow, how generous!

I was orginally to be out of work from March 14, returning to work on March 20. Unfortunately, due to complications from surgery, I did not return to work until March 28. The doctor did not release me to go back to work until this date. When I called Hartford to indicate that I would be returning to work the next day, March 28, I was told if I had time to call the doctor's office to get my doctor's visits office notes. I was told it was not necessary (just some extra assistance from the patient side) as the claims administrator would ensure all necessary paperwork for the additional time off would be collected to process these extra days.

I am scheduled for the same type of surgery tomorrow, April 18, to correct some problems that resulted from the first surgery. The Hartford Group refuses to re-open my claim. They stated they never received the attending physician statement or the office visits notes from the first surgery. I told the customer service rep. that I was told the claims admin. would take care of that. Now I am being told that this was my responsibility to take care of. What is Hartford getting paid for???? This is their job to do!

I am now going to have to spend the time off that I have after this second surgery on the phone all day playing the telephone game with my doctor's office and Hartford. So much for recovery time! Hartford Group is pathetic! They are paid for a service that they do not deliver on. In fact, the customer service rep. told me an analogy about when you have a car accident, it is your responsibility to take care of all the paperwork and calls to get a claim paid. I corrected her and stated that , 'Yes, that is true if you have a lazy insurance company!' Anytime I have had to file anything for my car, my insurance rep. takes care of everything. He has even told me several times when I thank him for the awesome service, 'Mam, that is my job.' I wish Hartford would get the hint!

I am going to raise a big 'stink' with my employer when I return from leave again about Hartford and their pathetic service! My employer always bosts about what awesome benefits they have. If they want to stand by this, they will drop Hartford as their short-term disability carrier.

The time off from March 22-March 27 is being paid from my accrued paid time off that is really meant for vacation time. The time off for my second surgery will come out of my paid time off as well. (Which I am running out of... guess no vacation for me this year!)Hartford should honor the extra time off from the first surgery and all the time off from the second surgery. This is a legitimate claim. I should not have to do the claims administrators job for them to get the claim processed. They are being paid for this service. It is unacceptable to insist that the patient do all the work for them! Who knows.. they say that it takes longer to heal when you are stressed... I may have to be off longer than expected after this second surgery, because of the stress that Hartford is putting me through.

The Hartford Paid for a Functional Capacity Evaluation April 28, 2005 after my physician refused to complete the Attending Physician Statement form. She repeatedly said she did not take me off work. Dr. Joseph Fortin and Social Security disability stopped me from working, however, Dr. Fortin ask me not to return since the bill was not paid.None of the doctors I have seen wiill complete the form.

The Hartford resumed paymentin May 2005 after stopping it for a year.They sent a partial payment in January 2006, then stopped payment again.Iam unable to pay mortgage and utilities without this check. the frustration causes my neck and bacj to hurt more.

My husband has been legally blind since May of 2002. He has lost his job because of this. He was sent to an eye specialist in Raleigh in July of 2002. After some very extensive testing this specialist cannot find out what his problem is coming from. His best corrected vision now is less than 20/200. He has to get about with a white cane that the blind association from Winston Salem brought out to him. He has disability and life insurance with Hartford, which was taken out in April of 1996. They have denied his claim saying he can work.

His eye doctor cannot believe that he was denied. He cannot drive and is very dependent on others to help him . I had to get power of attorney papers at Hartford's request because Robert could not see to sign his forms. Hartford has lied to us, and nothing has been done.

Where are the people that are suppose to protect people like us? Where are the people that need to convict these frauds? I have written the insurance commissioner of N.C. and they are investigating this and I am going to the senator that represents Caswell county. I don't think that all these people complaining about this insurance should have to hire an attorney because we don't have the money. WE paid this insurance thinking that if a situation like this came up we would have a little money coming in.

My husband and myself are under alot of stress because of this. Our income has gone from $800.00 to $200.00 a week. We are going to lose our home and vehicle. I am facing unemployment in the future with the textile industry doing so poorly. I would like to see Hartford do what they are supposed to do.