The Standard Launches New Health Advocacy Select Service with Short Term Disability Plans

Health Advocacy Select can help reduce the HR burden of short term disability claims and minimize health care headaches

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) has launched the Health Advocacy Select service, offered along with the company’s Short Term Disability insurance coverage. The new Health Advocacy Select service, offered through an arrangement with Health Advocate™, a leading health assistance and support company, can help employees navigate the health care system while on a short term disability claim and ease the administrative burden on HR professionals.

“When a disability strikes, navigating the complexity of today’s health care system can be a challenge for both employers and employees,” said Daniel Tkebuchava, marketing product manager at The Standard. “We believe that providing Health Advocacy Select to employees experiencing a short term disability is an additional way to assist them in moving forward with their lives when a disability occurs.”

Health Advocacy Select provides employees on a short term disability claim with access to Personal Health Advocates, who are typically registered nurses. Personal Health Advocates can assist employees with common health care challenges, such as helping:

• Find the right doctors, hospitals and other health care providers
• Explain medical diagnoses and treatment options
• Coordinate care and schedule appointments
• Clarify coverage (e.g., copays and deductibles)
• Resolve medical insurance claims and negotiate billing arrangements
• Find resources for services that may not be covered through the employer’s health benefits program

“Backed by medical directors and benefits experts, Personal Health Advocates handle each case confidentially and in compliance with all state and federal privacy laws,” said Tkebuchava. “Employers often share the burden when frustrated employees consume valuable work hours trying to manage their health care needs or turn to their HR departments for help. Personal Health Advocates can help an employee obtain the assistance and care needed, alleviating the burden on an HR team.”

The Standard also offers Health Advocacy Enhanced, which is also offered in conjunction with Health Advocate. Health Advocacy Enhanced provides Personal Health Advocates who help employees and their covered family members, such as dependents, spouses, parents and parents-in-law, manage their health care needs.

For more information on Health Advocacy Select and a full list of features, click here or contact your insurance advisor.

About The Standard

The Standard is a marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries. Insurance products are offered by Standard Insurance Company of 1100 SW Sixth Avenue, Portland, Oregon, in all states except New York, where insurance products are offered by The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York of 360 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 210, White Plains, New York. Product features and availability vary by state and company and are solely the responsibility of each subsidiary. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition. Standard Insurance Company is licensed to solicit insurance business in all states except New York. The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York is licensed to solicit insurance business in only the state of New York.

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The Standard

General Media

Bob Speltz, 971-321-3162

Senior Director, Public Affairs

bob.speltz@standard.com

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Cassandra Bergemann, 262-938-5461

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Source: The Standard