Workplace Benefits
What Is a Statement of Health? Importance & Process
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 on these below). Completing a Statement of Health is key to getting the coverage you need. Here, we’ve answered the most common SOH questions, so you can be more informed.
What is a Statement of Health?
A Statement of Health is 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. Some of these include:
- Requesting an amount of coverage that exceeds a specified threshold set by your employer (MEOI levels vary by group plan and coverage type)
- Reconsidering your choices after waiving all or part of your employer-paid insurance
- A recent hospitalization (within the last 90 days)
- A salary increase that puts you over the MEOI level
- When you’re actively-at-work but not currently enrolled in the plan and experience a Qualifying Life Event
- When you’ve 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 (where applicable)
What is the SOH process?
If you’re required to fill out an SOH, you’ll be notified to complete the form. Once you fill it out, your application will be screened, and you’ll either be approved or denied coverage.
Is SOH information confidential?
Yes. Your information is private and confidential.
Can I complete a Statement of Health online?
Ask your employer what options for submission are available to you. If available, an online submission is a great method to complete your SOH. It’s quick, easy, and can result in a quicker decision. Visit your enrollment website for additional information.
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 and should complete an SOH form.
Does a Statement of Health require a doctor’s visit?
Not typically. However, if you answer “yes” to any questions on the SOH, you may need an Attending Physician’s Statement (APS) or paramedical exam.
What’s a paramedical exam and why would I need one?
A paramedical exam is 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. The need for a paramedical exam is determined by your age, the amount of insurance coverage you are requesting, and your answers on the SOH.
What happens to my Statement of Health form once I complete it?
The insurer will review your SOH form and generate a response. The response will either notify you that additional information is needed or provide the final determination regarding your requested insurance coverage.
Once I submit my Statement of Health form, how can I make changes, if necessary?
If you need to make changes to your SOH form after you’ve submitted it, contact the insurer.
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 screened and your requested coverage is declined, it will not affect your existing coverage or any amount of pending coverage below your plan’s MEOI level. However, you won’t be issued the additional amount of coverage you requested by submitting the SOH.
You can dispute declined coverage with insurer. Be prepared to provide 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.
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Completing a Statement of Health form is as easy as 1-2-3. See for yourself!