Facebook photos get depressed woman's benefits cut
When it comes to employee benefits, people generally splinter into two radical groupings.
The first thinks the big, bad corporations should pay us minions whatever we want; the idea here being, whatever help we need is just a fraction of your overall, lucrative profits.
The second rationalizes we’re all a bunch of cry-babies and should have to earn what we keep; too long have the weak been protected by bull-headed unions and payouts unfair to their employers.
So with that in mind, when a story like this comes out, you can see how each side is likely to come out swinging.
The CBC has reported a Quebec woman had her sick-leave benefits cut by her insurer because of photos she posted on Facebook.
Nathalie Blanchard, 29, had been receiving a monthly paycheque from provider Manulife while on a one-and-a-half year depression leave from her job at IBM.
When suddenly her payouts stopped coming, she called Manulife.
The insurer told Blanchard that – based on posted photos showing her partying at a Chippendales bar and relaxing on a sunny beach – she was fit to work and no longer eligible for benefits.
“In the moment, I’m happy,” Blanchard admitted of the photos to CBC. “But before and after I have the same problems.”
Now, this is the point where people in group no. 2 are screaming at their computers, calling Blanchard every kind of lazy-expletive name they can think of.
But are things that black and white?
For starters, Blanchard said she informed Manulife of her trip, and said she’s “shocked” they would interpret her photos as a sign she is no longer depressed.
Next, who is Manulife to be the final ruler on this one?
“It’s not as if somebody had a broken back and there was a picture of them carrying with a load of bricks,” Blanchard’s lawyer said. “My client was diagnosed with a major depression. And there were pictures of her on Facebook, in a party or having a good time. It could be that she was just trying to escape.
“I don’t think for judging a mental state that Facebook is a very good tool,” he added.
Indeed, the isolated pictures on Facebook don’t quite give Blanchard an indisputable clean bill of health, but in Manulife’s defence, they claim their investigation was thorough.
“We would not deny or terminate a valid claim solely based on information published on websites such as Facebook,” the company said in a statement.
So, whose side do you take here?
It’s apparent both Blanchard and Manulife have a case, but was the insurer right to play the role of God and jump to cut the woman’s benefits? As a larger issue, is it proper for companies to consider their employees’ online profiles for such a decision?
Or, to keep asking long-winded rhetorical questions, is what is put on Facebook simply a public matter, once and for all?
By Jason Buckland, MSN Money
Posted by: Lisa | Nov 20, 2021 6:13:43 PM
I agree with the insurer here. Pictures don't lie. It doesn't matter where they were taken or where they were posted. The point is, she isn't depressed, is she? So, she's better and can work, can't she? That is the same reason I disagree with many people getting long-term disability.
What happened to just working for a living?
Posted by: Frankie | Nov 22, 2021 8:57:30 AM
While i was on a long term invalidity for depression, my doctor prescribed me a vacation in the sun during the winter months when it becomes harder.
Lisa, the point is a photo can't assess your mental state. When you are depressed you have some good days, mostly bad. What makes you say she is better? A smile? Are you a doctor?
Not only was her privacy invaded, but Manulife made a mockery out of people with mental health problems.
Posted by: J Steed | Nov 22, 2021 9:15:06 PM
I just don't buy Natalie's side. I have seen far too many fraululent cases to be taken in by this. I am tired of hearing about these lazy people. I once caught a nurse who was on long term disability participating in motor bike racing. I took many pictures and sent them to her employer. She was fired! Now that is what I call satisfaction.
Posted by: Dennis Barnes | Nov 22, 2021 9:45:08 PM
I'm in horrific condition due to arthritis amongst a few other chronic illnesses and sometimes can't walk easily, am in great pain. The last couple of days I haven't been limping as much, the stress fracture in my left foot less swollen than early September. Should anyone seee me mildly limping they'd presume I'm not so bad off. If someone needed help moving I'd probably volunteer but I hurt all over. Does that mean I should be cut off disability? No, I'll be nigh-paralysed when rain is imminent and sometimes I hurt so much I almost collapse.
Posted by: Maria | Nov 23, 2021 9:36:50 AM
Interesting that when employers offer disability plans the claims of depression like illness show up much more than in the rest of the population. How do the people without these plans cope? Deep pockets I think.
Posted by: Bill | Nov 23, 2021 9:40:08 AM
If you think this so black and white then you have no idea what this really is all about. When you are on long term disability the insurance companies treat you like you are lying all the time, I had back surgery scheduled for two weeks after an appointment and the insurance company said I was fine and could go back to work that day. Also you start to question yourself whether it is really all that bad. Trust me the insurance companies look for any reason to cut you off and then see if you fight them. They count on the fact that most people just tire of it and say forget it.
Posted by: Kevin A | Nov 23, 2021 10:08:22 AM
I understand a still picture isn't enough to determine one's state of mind, but remember there were other factors that we don't know about which led to the termination. Having said that how many of us have the same symptoms of depression yet still go to work and live productive lives? In comparison EI suspends benefits if you take vacation I don't see why it should be any different in this case.
If she was depressed to the point she was unfit to work how is she able to maintain a Facebook page and upload pictures from her vacation? Some jobs require less work than that.
She had a nice 1 and 1/2 year run time to find a job. Kudos to the manulife investigator!
Posted by: woody | Nov 23, 2021 10:44:55 AM
alcohol is a depressant! simple fact
Posted by: Penny E | Nov 23, 2021 10:47:45 AM
"Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see"............ with that being said I think that both sides have a case but let's face it, some people are scammers and she sounds like one. I think Manulife was right in pulling her benefits as she clearly was taking advantage of the insurance, boy I wish I was an investigator for these guys.
I have known of people just like her and they are just plain lazt SOB's! Now, get off your as* and join the rest of us in the working world sweetheart!!!!!!!
Posted by: clarence | Nov 23, 2021 11:12:40 AM
i agree they are a lot of people playing the game but dont judge them unless you walked a mile in their shoes the dr. should be the one to decide if she can go bak to work or not the insurance co. would send her back if she was in a wheel chair they only look at the bottom line for their share holders
Posted by: Jean P. | Nov 23, 2021 11:48:32 AM
Manulife is absolutely correct in stopping the payments to that person. A year and half scamming a company/employer is long enough. Granted we don't know all the facts but if Manulife say they have investigated her case, one would hope that it is based on solid evidence not just Facebook.
Naturally the warth of society, her lawyer, is going to defend her to no end as he is the one who will benefit the most in that case and will get most of the money, if any, comes her way.
Posted by: Alleta | Nov 23, 2021 11:49:35 AM
Having worked for this company at the same location as Blanchard and having dealt with their system, I actually have to side with her. Normally I'd be on the other side of the coin, but when it comes to anything this company related, including their insurer of choice, humanity and compassion don't figure very high among Big Blue's priorities.
Posted by: anonymous | Nov 23, 2021 12:15:58 PM
People like her are the reason that people like me are paying an extortionate amount for insurance, and the reason why I have to keep shopping around every time my insurance comes due for renewal...they think they're bucking the "system" when we all know the "system" is you and I. Hell I can't even afford a trip, and I'm getting my full salary, I'm sure she's not getting 100% of hers while she's on hiatus...While I believe the insurance industry is comparable with the mob, I'm on their side with this one.
Posted by: martianne | Nov 23, 2021 1:06:25 PM
Depression is complicated. You can not judge it on the basis of a couple of pictures. Those may be the only smiling pictures and lets remember most people do smile for pictures. Depression is usually long term illness not a quick fix. Will you people who have complained about her behaviour feel badly if she commits suicide which some depressed people do? Don't judge until you have walked a mile in their shoes.
Posted by: Lindsay | Nov 23, 2021 1:09:10 PM
I understand her upset at not being notified in advance that her benefits were being susspended. I do not understand her resentment though. It is obvious that as a result of her benefits she was able to access the treatment and medication her condition required. As a result of her company's benefits she would appear to have recovered enough to return to work, modified duties if required, but return to work none the less. She should be grafeful for the recovery time, not bitching because she has recoved.
Posted by: Marla | Nov 23, 2021 1:14:32 PM
People - you need to remember that facebook is public, so be careful what you post there because everyone is watching.
Posted by: gan0n | Nov 23, 2021 1:20:25 PM
a large number of doctors charge a small fee for 'notes'. how can an insurance company put their complete faith in a system that is inherently corrupt?
@DennisBarnes: if you make a free choice of helping someone move and then 'hurting all over', why should i pay for your, what is essentially, stupid decision? you have a chronic pain condition and helping someone move would exacerbate it. why would you do that and then fully expect the insurance company to pay for your days off? sounds like you just admitted you are willing to scam the system.
Posted by: Tammy | Nov 23, 2021 1:33:23 PM
I worked for a disability insurance company. In order for someone to receive benefits, they must satisfy the definititon of disability. It's really very contract based and there are specific guidelines that are outlined to each recipient when benefits are granted, throughout the claim if there are requirements to be made, and again when benefits are ended. There would need to be something more substantial than a few photos in order to end benefits. This would be clearly documented by the insurance company, as anyone has the right to appeal any decision made, and the decision must be based on specific information that would be defensible. There would be more to this story that what has been described.
For example, would her plan allow for benefits to be paid if she was still in the country or on vacation? Was she undergoing approriate care for her particular disability? How long was she away? Some plans specify the claimant must be in the country in order to receive benefits.
No one should complain about their privacy being invaded for photos they chose to post in a public location.
Posted by: B | Nov 23, 2021 1:51:34 PM
I have depression. I fight every day to get up and go to work (I win the battle most days, but there are alot of days that I don't win). I paste the fake smile on and muddle through my daily activities. I do not have benefits, I do not have someone who can help shoulder the financial burden while I take time to screw my head on straight. I have 2 children and a husband who is disabled but does not qualify for government assistance, he works part-time when he can and suffers the consequences and pain associated with this.
I cry at work, I cry while I drive, I cry at home, I cry when I go to bed, suicide is not an option, because who would take care of my family, the government?, I think not, benefits? not likely. So I take my pills, shut my mouth and keep plugging away, hoping that by some miracle my depression will lift before it is too late.
So more power to the people who have benefits and can utilize them. For the rest of us, hang in there, there has to be a light somewhere.
Posted by: Mang Tomas | Nov 23, 2021 1:54:00 PM
If you're depressed then, ACT like you're depressed. Stop taking advantage of the system.