Notice Pursuant to State of New York Insurance Department Circular Letter No. 14 (2007)
Relating to Pre-existing Condition Provision in Group Disability Insurance Policies.

On June 27, 2007, the New York Court of Appeals ruled that a claim may not be denied under a pre-existing condition provision for a disability resulting from a pre-existing condition that arose during the first twelve months of group coverage.   Rather, the Court held that the pre-existing condition provision may only impose a twelve month period during which no benefits are payable. After this period is satisfied, if the claimant otherwise satisfies the terms of the policy, disability benefits may be payable.  This ruling is limited to claimants under group disability insurance policies issued or issued for delivery in New York.

As a result of this ruling, a claimant who had a disability claim previously denied based upon a pre-existing condition provision may now be eligible for benefits.  The eligibility for these benefits will be subject to the appropriate pre-existing condition waiting period and other applicable policy provisions.

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) has already started re-examining claims denied under New York group disability insurance policies based on a pre-existing condition provision and has been attempting to contact affected claimants.

Any claimant covered under a MetLife group disability insurance policy issued or issued for delivery in New York who has had a claim denied due to a pre-existing condition and who wants to find out if their claim is subject to re-examination should contact MetLife in writing at the following address:

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Attention:  Tyler Bradshaw 02A-303F
1300 Hall Boulevard
Bloomfield, CT 06002