The ERISA law enacted in 1974 was originally enacted by Congress to protect people covered under private employer long term disability plans from insurance companies such as Cigna (LINA corp). Metlife, and many others. Currently the loop hole is you cannot sue for damages if you are denied.
Insurance companies cannot be penalized for bad faith denials so they can deny any claim in hopes they can't afford to sue or die in the process. An example would be a terminally ill cancer patient only has 12 months to live. The insurance denies them the benefit of LTD and no payout is given. Or, they are left with 3 months to live and cannot sue for damages under their private employer plan promised. While waiting they are provided Social Security Disability and it's dumped on the tax payer!