Joint disorders are increasing — and 4 other key disability trends

Published Updated 1 Min Read

Most workers today are not prepared to handle the financial impact of an illness or injury that would result in time away from work and a regular paycheck.

Disability insurance should be a staple for a family’s financial foundation. It protects people’s most important asset: their ability to earn an income. It’s also a critical part of a benefits portfolio for any employer looking to offer a competitive package and help offset the rising costs of healthcare.

Back disorders are the No. 3 cause of long-term disability. While short-term disability claims for back disorders have remained steady, long-term disability claims for these conditions have decreased 14%.

This can be partly attributed to the evolution of treatment. Patients used to be prescribed restricted activity and pain medication. But, today, the health benefits of an active recovery are clear, and rehabilitation and exercise are critical pieces of a patient’s treatment plan.

Greg Breter
VP, benefit operations

Gregory Breter has been with Unum for more than 23 years. He began his career as a Disability Benefit Specialist and has held various positions within the Benefits Organization throughout this time. … Read full bio


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