Long term care (LTC) insurance policyholders who have been paying their premiums on time, all the time, should feel confident that their insurance company will step up the plate when it comes time for them to collect those benefits. Unfortunately, many policyholders find their claims being denied or delayed instead. Here's how one woman got her claim paid and some expert tips on what you can do to get yours paid, too.

Claim denials when you need coverage the most

A Texas woman's 83 year old parents paid their long term care insurance premiums on time for years so as not to be a burden to their daughter. Unfortunately, when it came time to collect, they found themselves fighting with their insurance carrier instead. The couple, one who is blind and the other who is disabled, applied for their benefits, but were denied due to incomplete medical records.

They and their daughter went around and around with the carrier, sought the assistance of an advocate and finally hired an attorney to make sense of it all. With the attorney's help, the insurer finally gave in and provided the couple with their rightful benefits.

This is a very common occurrence in the long term care insurance industry and many elderly policyholders simply give up because they don't know what to do.

Expert tips on how to get your claim paid

Long term care attorneys say that there are many things that policyholders can do in order to get their claims paid. Here are some tips:

• Read your policy. It almost sounds a bit too simple, but the terms of your insurance policy dictates the duties of each party. Insurance companies will often deny or delay claims if their procedures aren't followed to a “T.”
• Put it in writing. Make sure that you put all communications with your insurer in writing. Insurance companies often divvy up responsibilities – and sometimes to employees in more than one location. This can increase the possibility of mis-communication and delayed or denied claims.
• Seek help. If you simply can't get anywhere with your insurer, seek help. Your state's Department of Insurance may be able to provide assistance by contacting your insurer on your behalf or providing advice on getting your claim paid. In addition, the Department of Health & Human Services has created a special website which addresses long term care insurance issues. You can also seek the advice of a long term care insurance attorney to discuss your situation and evaluate your options. Most consultations are free and without obligation.

Bottom line: Insurance policies are contracts The bottom line is that insurance policies are contracts. Policyholders who pay their premiums are entitled to receive the benefits of their insurance policies – ideally without hassles. However, even if your carrier isn't holding up to their end of the bargain, it's important to understand that there are ways of resolving the situation – in your favor.