Important Information
On June 27, 2007, the New York State Court of Appeals issued a decision in the case of Benesowitz v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, 8 N.Y.3d 661 (2007), which affects insurers issuing group disability insurance policies in New York that contain pre-existing condition exclusions. The Court ruled in Benesowitz that group disability insurance policies issued in New York can limit, but not exclude, disabilities caused by pre-existing conditions.
In compliance with New York Insurance Department Circular Letter No. 14 (2007), The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern Mutual) is now re-examining group disability insurance claims denied based on pre-existing conditions between June 27, 2004 and June 27, 2007. Northwestern Mutual will contact affected claimants in writing and advise them of their right to request that their claim be re-opened to determine if benefits are now payable based on the Court's ruling.
If you submitted a group disability insurance claim to Northwestern Mutual that was denied based on a pre-existing condition within this three year period and you have not been contacted by Northwestern Mutual, or if you have any questions, please address your inquiry to:
Jim Kostur, Director - Group DI Benefits
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company
P.O. Box 2177
Portland, OR 97208-2177
Phone: 800-378-4665 ex. 6789
Fax: 800-766-6320