CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
As the leading provider of disability benefits in the U.S., Unum
(NYSE: UNM) tracks the top causes of disability leave and shares results
each May during Disability Insurance Awareness Month. Claims data over
the last decade shows several long-term trends in the health of
America’s workers.
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A snapshot of disability leave experience from Unum, the leading provider of group and individual disability insurance in the U.S. (Graphic: Business Wire)
Disability claims for joint disorders and musculoskeletal issues have
increased significantly over the past 10 years. Unum’s Senior Vice
President of Benefits Greg Breter points to aging and obesity as
drivers. “Conditions related to joint and back issues can be tied to the
aging workforce,” Breter said. “But the rise of obesity in the U.S. is
causing a greater increase in conditions like arthritis, joint
replacements and back issues. It’s also contributing to heart disease,
stroke, type 2 diabetes, respiratory problems and certain types of
cancer.”
But there’s also good news. Long term disability claims for complicated
pregnancies have decreased nearly 50 percent over the last decade.
“Fewer C-section deliveries, early detection and intervention in
high-risk pregnancies, and access to more resources for new moms are all
contributing to this experience,” Breter said.
Cancer has stayed the No. 1 reason for long term disability claims over
the last decade, while pregnancy continues to top the list of reasons
for short term disability.
Unum received more than 419,000 new disability claims in 2016 and paid
$3.8 billion in disability benefits, accounting for more than half of
the total $6.9 billion in benefits paid by the company. Here’s a look at
the top causes for disability in 2016:
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Long term disability:
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Cancer
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16.4%
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Back disorders
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13.2%
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Injury
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11.6%
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Cardiovascular
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9.3%
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Joint disorders
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9.3%
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Short term disability:
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Pregnancy
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28.2%
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Injury (excluding back)
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11.3%
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Joint disorders
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7.5%
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Back disorders
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6.7%
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Digestive system
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6.5%
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ABOUT UNUM
Unum
Group is a leading provider of financial protection benefits in the
United States and the United Kingdom. Its primary businesses are Unum
US, Colonial Life, Starmount and Unum UK. Unum’s portfolio includes
disability, life, accident and critical illness, dental and vision
coverage, which help protect millions of working people and their
families in the event of an illness or injury. The company reported
revenues of $11 billion in 2016, and provided $6.9 billion in benefits.
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View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170516006017/en/
Unum Group
Kelly Spencer, 423-294-4508
Toll free 866-750-8686
Kspencer2@unum.com
Source: Unum Group