FedAdvantage

"I had gotten a long term disability policy with Federal Advantage underwritten by the Standard after a work place injury in 2016. Since 2016 I been under medical treatment, physical therapy etc. I returned to work in a limited duty capacity in 2018 in Law enforcement but soon after had to switch career fields because of my injuries required me to work with restrictions unable to full fill my role. After switching agencies and career fields in Dec 2022 my conditions were exacerbated and required multiple trips to the ER. I was the removed from work and filed a recurrence of disability with the US DOL. The DOL paid my hospital bills but denied paying me WC stating they didn't have enough medical information, despite having it all. Therefore I filed a claim with Fed Advantage/ The Standard. In March to late April or early May they denied me, relaying their facts that are contrary to the written record. As a result I file an appeal with them and produced more records. In June my recurrence was approved by DOL.In July the standard again denied me, relaying their definition of disability is not the same as Federal Governments yet the target and sell their policies to federal workers. Basically the Standard and Federal Advantage took my premiums over the years and when I needed them the most, when I was without pay for 6 months, this company abandoned me. Waiting on I hear back from lawyers on lawsuit.Premiums should be refunded for the bad faith"

"I paid FedAdvantage for years before I was disabled I’m a federal Agent for Dept of Defense. The ppl that handled my application is THE STANDARD. ask for a detailed copy of there policy. They denied me never returned my calls had me send tons of medical evidence and still denied me and decided to send me a $300 check I haven’t worked for two years I am very livid I would advise anyone not to use this program"

"Most importantly, be an informed consumer. I purchased this "supplemental" insurance in the event we became pregnant again.....and a few months later we did. When calling to inquire about that specific benefit I was informed there is a 30 day waiting period for all claims to pay out. The only time covered is the standard 6 to 8 weeks and anything beyond that is not covered unless documentation proving medical necessity is provided (baby bonding time not covered). So that means 2 to 4 weeks of coverage paid by them. I was also informed I could not be getting paid from my job to get paid from them (where I work you stop accruing leave anything over 80 hours LWOP, which can impede on your step/grade inceases). I am in generally good health and other than wellness exams don't see my PCP so I may not be the optimal customer for this service and will most likely discontinue services after I get my 2 weeks pay from them. The take away is to check with your HR to see what is available to you and how to best utilize those options. FMLA, advanced sick leave, annual leave and sick leave can be utilized effectively to help through most medical situations. The customer support and service was very polite, professional and knowledgeable but information wasn't just offered up or presented as common knowledge. You you have to know what to ask to get a whole "meat and potatoes" answer. Aflac had a maternity leave benefit but it is not available to new customers currently. If enough people call maybe they will open it up again..... I will call FedAdvantage to get clarification on whether I am able to have at least one day paid from my job per pay period to not impact leave accruals. If baby brain doesn't reign I will update with response. Ultimately, meet with your HR about your agencies concessions ASL, FMLA, LWOP, medical telework and reasonable accommodation (if complications with recovery) and then speak with FedAdvantage of their stipulations before making a decision."

"I had a similar experience as Dannae. I informed my agency of my pregnancy as soon as I knew. FedAdvantage also told me that I had a pre existing condition. You aren't asking for disability pay for the pregnancy, though--you're asking for disability pay for the recovery time after labor, which is not pre existing."

"Fed advantage is a scam! I informed the agency my whole pregnancy that I was pregnant, and when it came time to pay not only me but a friend as well they stated "you have a preexisting condition so you do not qualify". Here we are two new mothers expecting to receive short term disability with a child to provide for, and they didn't even want to refund us. Pregnancy was never in the information provided either."