CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
A dedicated protocol for managing behavioral health claims is helping Unum
(NYSE: UNM) customers experience more favorable return-to-work outcomes.
Using a strategic mix of early intervention; triaged specialist support;
and partnership among employers, medical experts, and vocational
rehabilitation consultants, Unum has seen:
-
A 15 percent reduction in short term disability behavioral health
claims transitioning to long term disability
-
More than five percent reduction in short term disability behavioral
health claim duration
-
A 50 percent improvement in long term disability return-to-work
success for part-time employment1
“Behavioral health issues may often be less visible than other
disabilities — but they are no less serious,” said Lori Whynot, vice
president of group and individual benefits at Unum. “No two behavioral
health claims are alike, so customized return-to-work plans focused on
removing barriers and stigma in the workplace and maintaining engagement
and advocacy for the employee are key.”
Behavioral health claims encompass both mental health problems and
substance abuse and addiction, and accounted for seven percent of long
term disability claims and five percent of short term disability claims
for Unum last year.
The National
Institute of Mental Health estimates that one in five people
experience mental health problems in a given year. The most common
behavioral health conditions found in the workplace are depression,
anxiety and substance abuse.
“For most people, work plays an important role in supporting and
maintaining mental health, and we want to help people achieve their
recovery goals,” Whynot said.
About Unum
Unum Group (www.unum.com)
is a leading provider of financial protection benefits in the United
States and the United Kingdom. Its primary businesses are Unum US,
Colonial Life, 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. Unum also provides stop-loss coverage to help
self-insured employers protect against unanticipated medical costs. The
company reported revenues of $11.3 billion in 2017 and provided nearly
$7 billion in benefits.
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1Unum internal data, 2017.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180712005820/en/
Unum Group
Kelly Spencer, 423-294-4508
Kspencer2@unum.com
Source: Unum Group