Two-year project part of Unum’s efforts to better serve
Spanish-speaking customers
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Unum (NYSE: UNM) has introduced a Spanish version of its Evidence of
Insurability form as the latest in a series of services to make the
benefits process easier for Spanish-speaking customers.
The form is a widely used document in the insurance industry to
determine coverage eligibility for customers applying for additional
coverage or during a non-group enrollment time.
“From an enrollment perspective, this is a major milestone for
Spanish-speaking customers,” said Bilda Acuña, assistant vice president
of Hispanic Markets at Unum. “Beginning the benefits process with a form
in their preferred language adds an extra layer of comfort, relief and
awareness for these customers.”
The form, which is available in 46 states, is the latest effort in
Unum’s ongoing commitment to provide better service for Spanish-speaking
customers.
Creating a Spanish version of the Evidence of Insurability form wasn’t
as simple as just translating the English one. The two-year project
involved creating 12 different versions to meet varying state
requirements, followed by a yearlong state filing process. Unum also
modified its internal systems to automate processing of the form and
accommodate follow-up communication in Spanish with the applicant.
“This latest project was a first for Unum and one that not many
competitors have ventured to do because of the complexity of the
process,” said Chris Jerome, Unum’s senior vice president of
underwriting. “Providing this service makes a tremendous difference for
our Spanish-speaking customers who tell us they appreciate our efforts.”
The Hispanic population is growing faster than any other ethnic group in
the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. And within two
decades, research shows the Hispanic share of the workforce will double
to 31 percent.
To respond to the growth, Unum has created a specialized approach to
serving Spanish-speaking customers over the past three years, from
customized employee education and enrollment materials to bilingual call
centers and on-claim support.
About Unum
Unum (www.unum.com)
is one of the leading providers of employee benefits products and
services in the United States and the United Kingdom. Through its
subsidiaries, Unum Group provided $5.9 billion in total benefits to
customers in 2009.
Source: Unum
Contact:
Unum
Seth Seymour, 423-294-7839 – office
423-509-4242 – mobile