On June 27, 2007, the New York State Court of Appeals issued a decision in the case of Benesowitz v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, 8 N.Y.3d 661 (2007), which affects insurers issuing group disability insurance policies in New York that contain pre-existing condition exclusions. The Court ruled in Benesowitz that group disability insurance policies issued in New York can limit, but not exclude, disabilities caused by pre-existing conditions.

In compliance with New York Insurance Department Circular Letter No. 14 (2007), The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York ("The Standard") is now re-examining group disability insurance claims denied based on pre-existing conditions between June 27, 2005 and June 27, 2007. The Standard will contact affected claimants in writing and advise them of their right to request that their claim be re-opened to determine if benefits are now payable based on the Court's ruling.

If you submitted a group disability insurance claim to The Standard which was denied based on a pre-existing condition within this two year period and you have not been contacted by The Standard, or if you have any questions, please address your inquiry to:

Stanley J. Kulesa, Assistant Vice President
The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York

P.O. Box 5031
White Plains, NY 10602-5031

Phone - 800.426.4332
Fax - 800.378.8361
Email: