MetLife pioneers new program to help long-term claimants resume an active life

In a first for the Australian life insurance industry, MetLife Insurance Limited, the Australian arm of one of the world’s largest insurers, has backed a ground-breaking holistic rehabilitation program to accelerate the path to recovery and wellness for claimants with debilitating psychological and physical conditions.

MetLife announced today that it will roll out the Reactivate Program across its national network following a successful trial.

Developed by Ian Stephens of enRich Training & Development, the Reactivate program is purpose- designed to help people on claim avoid long-term incapacity by giving them the confidence and skills necessary to regain control over their lives and return to fulfilling employment.

MetLife’s Chief Operating Officer, Luke Banfield said the program marked an alternative approach to managing disability claims. “We’re confident it will deliver both short and long-term benefits for claimants, such as improved motivation, life skills and the confidence to return to employment,” Mr Banfield said.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than half of Australians not in the labour force in 2009 identified long-term illness or disability as the main reason for not wanting to, or being able to work.

“In many cases, with proper care and rehabilitation, people suffering from long term disability are able to regain independence, return to work and contribute again to society. That is a far better outcome for the individual and for our community at large,” Mr Banfield said.

“As a life insurer, MetLife has extensive experience managing disability claims – we have learned what is effective and what isn’t, and we know that the ability to work plays a huge role in restoring the self- worth of people. We have been very impressed by the Reactivate program and the impact it has had on the participants who have a strong desire to become an active member of their community again,” he said.

Ian Stephens of enRich said MetLife’s commitment towards being innovative in managing claims meant that the Reactivate program could now be deployed more widely across the life insurance industry in Australia.

MetLife Insurance Limited

ABN 75 004 274 882 AFSL 238096

Level 9, 2 Park Street Sydney NSW 2000

“MetLife’s willingness to explore innovative approaches towards restoring the quality of life to the people they insure is to be commended. There is potential for programs like this to change the way we approach long-term illness and disability, and that is the right thing for everyone concerned. However, in addition to providing a new support program for long-term claimants it also supports early intervention strategies for both life insurers and their clients” he said.