Workplace Benefits
Everything You Need to Know About a Statement of Health
If you’re enrolling in or making changes to a group life insurance or disability plan, you may be asked to complete a Statement of Health (SOH), also known as Medical Evidence of Insurability (MEOI). In short, it’s a list of questions you need to answer about your overall health (more details below). Completing it is key to getting the coverage you need. Here, we’ve answered the most common SOH questions, so you can be informed.
What is a Statement of Health?
It’s a document containing a series of questions about your overall health, such as if you’re a smoker or if you’ve ever been treated for a medical condition, like cancer or high blood pressure. This information helps MetLife evaluate your life insurance application. .
When would I need to complete a Statement of Health?
Several situations may call for you to fill out an SOH. A few examples include, but are not limited to:
- Requesting an amount of coverage that exceeds a specified threshold set by your employer (MEOI levels vary by group plan and coverage type)
- Enrolling after an enrollment period closes, perhaps because you’re adding a dependent
- Reconsidering your choices after waiving all or part of your employer-paid insurance
- You were hospitalized in the last 90 days
- Salary increase that puts you over the MEOI level
- You are actively-at-work but not currently enrolled in the plan and experience a Qualifying Life Event you must submit a statement of health in order to enroll for any amount of coverage
- Where applicable, you previously waived all or part of contributory or non-contributory insurance and now wish to be insured for all or part of the amounts previously waived
Is the information confidential?
Yes. We apply strict standards for privacy and confidentiality, as with all MetLife processes.
Is there a time limit on submitting my Statement of Health form?
Yes. The SOH process is time sensitive, so you will want to act fast. The amount of time depends on your group’s plan—typically, you have around 60 days to complete and return the form. After that period, you would need to contact your Employer/Benefits Administrator.
Can I complete a Statement of Health online?
If that’s an option under your plan, there are benefits to filling out the SOH digitally. It’s quick and easy and you may get a faster decision. Visit your enrollment website for more information.
If I answer “yes” to one of the Statement of Health questions, will I be required to submit additional medical information?
You may be required to provide details explaining your response on the SOH. Once submitted, some answers may require additional medical information, which will be requested by MetLife.
What if I have an existing medical condition? Should I still complete a Statement of Health?
Yes. Even people with relatively serious medical issues may still be eligible for insurance coverage.
Does a Statement of Health require a doctor’s visit?
Not typically. However, if you answer “yes” to questions on the SOH, we may request an Attending Physician’s Statement (APS) or paramedical exam.
What’s a paramedical exam and why would I need one?
It’s a physical exam, arranged by your insurer and performed by a medical professional, that includes taking blood and urine samples. It takes approximately 30 minutes and there’s no cost to you. Whether or not you need one is determined by your answers on the SOH form, your age, and the amount of insurance you’re requesting. A MetLife approved vendor will contact you by phone, e-mail, or U.S. mail for an appointment, if necessary. You may also initiate scheduling your paramedical exam online, if that’s where you completed the SOH.
What happens to my Statement of Health form once I complete it?
MetLife will review the form and generate a response within 10 business days after receiving the information. The response will either notify you of the final determination regarding your requested insurance coverage or request additional information.
Once I submit my Statement of Health form, how can I make changes, if necessary?
Please contact the MetLife Statement of Health Unit at 1-800-638-6420 (prompt 1).
If you have additional questions about your Statement of Health, talk to your HR manager, employer or benefits provider.
What happens if I’m declined for this coverage?
If your SOH is declined, it will not affect any coverage already in existence or any amount of pending coverage below your plan’s MEOI level. However, you will not be issued the additional amount of coverage you requested that was subject to the SOH. You can dispute a declination subject to the terms identified in the declination letter. You must include medical documentation to support the reason for the dispute.
Completing a Statement of Health (SOH) for life and/or disability coverage may entail filling out paper applications, going online to your enrollment portal, or engaging via email. Check with your employer/benefits administrator about how to submit your SOH.
If you’re a MetLife group customer, please call 1-800-638-6420 (prompt 1) to talk with a specialist about your SOH. For technical assistance regarding online access and completion, please call 1-877-9METWEB (1-877-963-8932).
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Completing a Statement of Health form is as easy as 1-2-3. See for yourself!