What to Do If Merit Life Insurance Company Denied Your Life Insurance Claim

A denial from Merit Life Insurance Company can cause confusion and frustration, especially if you were relying on the benefits to help cover expenses and provide financial stability. It’s important to remember that a denial doesn’t always mean the end of the road. You may be able to appeal your claim and secure approval. If your claim has been denied, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 or chat with us live. We’re here to help you understand the reasons for the denial and guide you through the steps needed to challenge it.

Common Reasons Merit Life Denies Claims

Understanding why Merit Life Insurance Company denied your claim is the first step toward building a strong appeal. Common reasons for denial include:

• Policy Lapse Due to Missed Premiums:
  A common reason for denial is that the policy lapsed because premiums were not paid on time. If Merit Life claims the policy was inactive at the time of death, you may need to provide proof of payment, evidence of financial hardship, or documentation that shows the policyholder intended to keep the policy active.
• Issues During the Contestability Period:
  Most life insurance policies have a contestability period—typically the first two years—when claims are closely reviewed. If discrepancies are found in the application, such as omitted medical conditions or errors in personal information, the claim may be denied. Submitting corrected information, additional medical records, and clear explanations can help address these issues and improve your chances of success.
• Policy Exclusions or Limitations:
  Some policies contain exclusions that prevent payouts under specific circumstances. For example, deaths caused by certain high-risk activities or pre-existing conditions may be excluded. Reviewing the policy’s terms carefully can help determine whether the exclusion was correctly applied. If not, you may have grounds to challenge the denial.
• Beneficiary Disputes or Changes:
  If there are multiple claimants or recent changes to beneficiary designations, Merit Life may withhold payment until the matter is resolved. Resolving these disputes often requires legal assistance to clarify beneficiary rights and ensure benefits are distributed as intended by the policyholder.
• Missing or Incomplete Documentation:
  Claims may be rejected if essential documents—like a certified death certificate, completed claim forms, or proof of beneficiary status—are missing or incomplete. Ensuring that all paperwork is accurate and fully submitted can help prevent or resolve this type of denial.

Steps to Take After Receiving a Denial

If Merit Life Insurance Company denies your claim, consider these steps to build a strong appeal and improve your chances of success:

1. Review the Denial Letter Carefully:
   The denial letter should explain the reasons for rejection and provide instructions on how to appeal. Understanding the insurer’s rationale will help you gather the appropriate evidence to support your case.
2. Gather Supporting Documentation:
   Collect all relevant records, including:
   • A copy of the life insurance policy and any riders or amendments
   • Proof of premium payments
   • Medical and hospital records addressing any disputed health conditions
   • Certified death certificates
   • Correspondence with Merit Life Insurance Company
   • Documentation verifying beneficiary status
   A well-prepared set of documents can significantly strengthen your case.
3. Submit a Formal Appeal:
   Follow the appeal instructions provided by Merit Life. Clearly explain why the denial was incorrect, supported by the evidence you’ve gathered. A detailed, thorough appeal increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
4. Consult a Life Insurance Attorney if Needed:
   If your initial appeal is denied or if the process feels overwhelming, consulting a life insurance attorney can provide invaluable support. An experienced attorney can:
   • Identify errors in Merit Life’s reasoning
   • Help you gather additional evidence to support your claim
   • Represent you in negotiations or legal proceedings, if necessary
5. Consider Filing a Complaint With State Regulators:
   If your appeal fails, filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department may prompt further investigation. While this step doesn’t guarantee approval, it can lead to additional scrutiny and potentially a resolution.

Overturning a Contestability Denial

Hypothetical Scenario: A policyholder discloses a history of minor medical conditions when applying for life insurance with Merit Life. After the policyholder passed away during the contestability period, the insurer denies the claim, citing an undisclosed condition. The beneficiary provided medical records showing that there were some pre-existing conditions, but the question on the application is vague or ambiguous. By submitting this evidence and clarifying the policyholder’s full medical history, the beneficiary could successfully appeal the denial and receive the policy’s full death benefit.

Interpleader Lawsuits and Life Insurance

An interpleader lawsuit occurs when the insurance company cannot determine who should receive the policy’s proceeds. Merit Life might file an interpleader to resolve disputes among claimants or to clarify conflicting beneficiary designations. Interpleader lawsuits typically arise in situations involving:

• Multiple beneficiaries claiming the same policy proceeds
• Questions about the validity of a beneficiary change
• Allegations of undue influence or fraud regarding the beneficiary designation

What to Do if You’re Involved in an Interpleader:
Gather all documentation that supports your claim, such as original beneficiary forms, any correspondence with the insurer, and records that establish your relationship to the policyholder. Consulting a life insurance attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and that your case is presented effectively in court.

Florida Claims Against Merit Life Insurance Company

Florida residents may have additional protections under state insurance laws. Challenging a denial from Merit Life in Florida often involves understanding and leveraging these regulations. A Florida-based attorney who is familiar with state insurance requirements can help strengthen your appeal. Whether the denial involves a policy lapse, contestability period issues, or beneficiary disputes, Florida’s legal framework can provide the tools needed to recover the benefits you’re entitled to.

How the Law Offices of Jason Turchin Can Help

If Merit Life Insurance Company denied your life insurance claim, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help. Our experienced attorneys have successfully handled numerous life insurance disputes and know how to challenge claim denials. We can carefully review your case, identify errors in the denial, and guide you through the appeals process. Call us at 800-337-7755 or start a live chat today to learn more about how we can assist you.