A small business owner has a group long-term disability plan for her employees with a 'regular occupation' definition for the first 24 months, followed by an 'any occupation' definition. An employee becomes disabled and is unable to return to their specific job, but could perform a different, simpler role within the company. What is the likely outcome regarding disability benefits at month 25?

Question: A small business owner has a group long-term disability plan for her employees with a 'regular occupation' definition for the first 24 months, followed by an 'any occupation' definition. An employee becomes disabled and is unable to return to their specific job, but could perform a different, simpler role within the company. What is the likely outcome regarding disability benefits at month 25?

Answer options:

• A. Benefits will continue at full payment because they cannot do their 'regular occupation'. ✅ B. Benefits will cease because the employee can perform 'any occupation' for which they are reasonably suited.
• C. Benefits will be reduced to reflect the partial disability and new role.
• D. Benefits will increase due to the extended period of disability.

Correct answer: B. Benefits will cease because the employee can perform 'any occupation' for which they are reasonably suited.

Explanation: After 24 months, if the definition of disability transitions from 'regular occupation' to 'any occupation', benefits are likely to cease if the employee is deemed capable of performing another job for which they are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience, even if it's a different, simpler role within the same company. The 'any occupation' definition is much stricter and does not necessitate being able to perform the exact previous job.