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14 Aug, 2012

Free White Paper Highlights Best Practices for Integrating Short- and Long-Term Disability

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BOSTON – August 13, 2012 – (BUSINESS WIRE)–Seven best practices for integrating short- and long-term disability programs to lower costs for employers and improve service for employees are highlighted in a new Leadership Series white paper published by the Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) and sponsored by Liberty Mutual Insurance Group Benefits.

The white paper, Best Practices in the Integration of Short- and Long-Term Disability Claims was made available for the DMEC 17th Annual International Conference in Denver on August 12, and can be downloaded at www.libertymutualgroup.com/leadershipseries. This is the eighth consecutive annual DMEC Leadership Series white paper sponsored by Liberty Mutual Insurance.

“Understanding how best to integrate disability is the first step to getting a better handle on absence costs,” noted Marcia Carruthers, chief executive officer and president of DMEC. “DMEC and Liberty Mutual Insurance are proud to publish this white paper highlighting how industry experts have successfully implemented such strategies.”

Best practices highlighted in the white paper include:

  • Have clear, specific objectives for short- and long-term disability programs, and for return-to-work and stay-at-work programs
  • Standardize and simplify communications to front-line employees, managers, vendors and physicians
  • Integrate short- and long-term disability, and state and federal Family Medical Leave Act administration into a single program managed in-house or through a third-party administrator
  • Prioritize relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, and bargaining units

“Preventing employee absences from becoming disability events significantly improves corporate productivity, enhances employee morale, and lowers business costs,” observed Nazneen Vimadalal, vice president of marketing and product development for Liberty Mutual Insurance’s Group Benefits unit. “The most common starting point for companies thinking about integration is combining management of STD and LTD programs.”

Visit www.dmec.org for more information about educational publications and events.