1. Filing a Claim

Claims should be filed on Standard Insurance Company forms. You may obtain a claim form by contacting the Plan Administrator.

2. Time Limits on Filing Proof of Loss

Proof of Loss must be provided within 90 days after the date of the loss. If that is not possible, it must be provided as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than one year after that 90-day period.

If Proof of Loss is filed outside these time limits, the claim will be denied. These limits will not apply while you or your beneficiary lacks legal capacity.

3. Proof of Loss

Proof of loss means written proof that a loss occurred:

a. For which the group policy provides benefits;

b. That is not subject to any exclusions; and

c. That meets all other conditions for benefits.

Proof of Loss includes any other information which may reasonably be required in support of a claim. Proof of Loss must be in writing and must be provided at the expense of you or your beneficiary. No benefits will be provided until Standard Insurance Company receives Proof of Loss.

4. Investigation of Claim

Standard Insurance Company may have you examined at their expense at reasonable intervals. Any such examination will be conducted by specialists of their choice.

Standard Insurance Company may have an autopsy performed at their expense, except where prohibited by law.

5. Time of Payment

Benefits will be paid within 60 days after Proof of Loss is satisfied.

6. Notice of Decision on Claim

You or your beneficiary will receive a written decision on a claim within a reasonable time after the claim is received.

If you or your beneficiary does not receive Standard Insurance Company's decision within 90 days after they receive the claim, you or your beneficiary will have an immediate right to request a review as if the claim had been denied.

If the claim is denied, you or your beneficiary will receive a written notice of denial containing:

a. The reasons for the decision;

b. Reference to the parts of the group policy on which the decision is based;

c. A description of any additional information needed to support the claim; and

d. Information concerning you or your beneficiaries' right to a review of the decision.

7. Review Procedure

If all or part of a claim is denied, the claimant must request a review in writing within 60 days after receiving notice of the denial.

You or your beneficiary may send Standard Insurance Company written comments or other items to support the claim, and may review any non-privileged information that relates to the request for review.

Standard Insurance company will review the claim promptly after receiving the request. They will send notice of their decision within 60 days after receiving the request, or within 120 days if special circumstances require an extension. They will state the reasons for their decision and refer to the relevant parts of the group policy.