Dec 26, 2023
Anthem has simplified their underwriting requirements for Voluntary Short Term Disability (VSTD).
For groups with pre-existing condition limitations:
- Anthem will waive Evidence of Insurability (EOI) requirements for any member electing VSTD up to the guaranteed issue limit – even if they are a late entrant for groups that have pre-existing condition limitations in their contract.
- Anthem will be reissuing VSTD certificates to current clients to remove the EOI requirement. There will still be some references to EOI within most certificates based on filing constraints, but Anthem has removed the majority of that language and are waiving EOI.
- Employees who elect VSTD coverage over the guaranteed issue limit need to complete an EOI form. Anthem will send the EOI form to the member. This will be very unusual, as typically they Guaranteed Issue (GI) amount equals the maximum weekly benefit amount.
- Some groups have older VSTD certificates that Anthem is not able to reissue. A letter is being sent to these groups to notify them of the changes.
For groups that do not have pre-existing condition limitations:
- If a client does not have a pre-existing condition limitation, late entrants must submit EOI for all amounts of coverage and be medically underwritten.
- Pre-existing condition limitations are a standard provision in all VSTD plans. Life and Disability Underwriting must approve all requests for VSTD plans that do not have a pre-existing condition limitation. This type of plan is a custom contract.
These provisions only apply to VSTD plans and do not affect any other life and disability products.
If you have questions, please reach out to your Amwins team. We are here to help.
