LASDA invited Dr. Bret Barger to speak about his foundation, how it provides disability insurance for students, and what dental students need to know about protecting their most important asset---their ability to earn an income. Dr. Barger shared his personal story about becoming disabled and selling his cosmetic dentistry practice.

1. Presents
Bret Anthony Barger, DDS

2. Types of Disability Insurance
Group Disability Insurance
Personal Disability Insurance*
*NEVER pledge your Personal Disability Insurance as collateral!

3. U of L School of Dentistry
Student Group Disability Policy
What your Plan covers:
 Disabilities caused by Sickness or Injury that occur In
or Out of School
 Maternity
 Mental, Emotional, & Stress Disorders
 Alcohol & Substance Abuse

4. U of L School of Dentistry
Student Group Disability Policy
Your Plan Design
 Monthly Benefit - $1,500 per month benefit
 Duration of Benefits – to Social Security Retirement
Age (i.e. to Age 67)
 Partial Disability – payment of benefits for partial
disability, rather than total disability.

5. U of L School of Dentistry
Student Group Disability Policy
Your Plan Design Continued…
 Rehabilitation Incentive – 110% of monthly benefit
if student participates in rehabilitation program
 Loan Payoff Benefit – Payoff Loans up to $150,000
 Conversion Privilege – Conversion to a true own
occupation disability policy upon completion of
school

6. 25-33% Of You are NOT Insurable!!!
Are You???
 Most students don’t realize that many “minor” medical
conditions can prevent them from obtaining an
individual disability income policy.
 U of L
 U of L
 U of L
 U of L
 U of L
 U of L
Class
Class
Class
Class
Class
Class
of 2008 =
of 2009 =
of 2010 =
of 2011 =
of 2012 =
of 2013 =
33%
31%
28%
25%
27%
27%
Declined/Rated
Declined/Rated
Declined/Rated
Declined/Rated
Declined/Rated
Declined/Rated

7. Common Issues & “Minor Medical Conditions”
That Can Cause You To Be Uninsurable
•Recent needle sticks
•Hepatitis
•Cardiac issues, e.g., Mitral Valve Prolapse
•Back or neck treatment by doctors or chiropractors
•Abnormal blood chemistry, e.g. High Cholesterol
•Abnormal Pap Smear results
•Certain prescription medications, e.g., Prozac, ADHD
•Doctor’s appointments for stress, anxiety, or depression
•Latex allergies and other skin disorders
•Diabetes
•Repetitive Use and Carpal Tunnel issues
•Active military duty

8. Statistics
1 in 3 disabled for 90 days or longer*
1 in 5 disabled for 5 or more years *
1 in 33 are permanently disabled *
Men have a 43% chance of becoming
seriously disabled during their working
years
Women have a 54% chance
* 1985 Commissioners Table on Disabilities

9. Why Dentists Are More Likely To Become Disabled
Fine motor skills
Mental, nervous, and stress
conditions
Accidents

10. The Definitions
Monthly Benefit/Indemnity
Benefit Period
Waiting Period/Elimination Period
Non-Cancelable
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Graded Premium vs. Level Premium
Return of Premium
Limitations for Mental/Nervous/Stress Claims
Guaranteed Renewable
Residual or Partial Disability
Future Increase Options
Own Occupation

11. Own Occupation
True Or Pure Own Occupation
You are considered totally disabled, if due to sickness or injury
you are unable to perform the material and substantial duties
of your occupation. You will be considered totally disabled,
even if you are at work in some other capacity.

12. What is “Medical” Own Occupation
 This is NOT true own occupation coverage
 If you return to work in another profession benefits will be
offset by new income
 Ask one simple question: “If I return to work doing anything
else will I continue to get my full benefit?”

13. Mental / Nervous / Stress Limitations
20% of all claims made are in this category.
Second leading cause of disability
Most insurance companies limit benefit payments for
years.
1 or 2
Example: 30 year old files this type of claim. Benefits end at
age 31 or 32 instead of age 65 or life.

14. Tax Considerations
Always pay for your personal disability
coverage with personal funds
IRS limitations

15. Why Dentists Protect Their Income With
Disability Income Insurance?
 Your Single Largest Asset is Your Ability to Practice
 General living expenses
 Monthly obligations
●
●
●
●
Student loans
House payment/rent
Car payment
Credit cards
 Protect credit rating
 Education planning
 Retirement planning

16. What is The Best Disability Income Insurance Policy ?
THE ONE THAT GENERATES
THE MOST BENEFITS
IN THE GREATEST NUMBER
OF DISABILITY SCENARIOS.

17. How to Choose The Best Advisor
 How to know if an advisor is looking out for your best
interests?
Do they recommend true “Own Occupation” coverage?
Do they recommend coverage that has No Limitations
for Mental/Nervous/Stress claims?
Do they recommend coverage that is both NonCancelable and Guaranteed Renewable?
Do they explain the Graded Premium option?
Are you being “Sold” something or being educated?

18. Should You Choose the Bowman’s Insurance Team?
 I did
 Independent Brokers Representing Multiple Companies
 Full Service Financial Advisors: Financial Planning, MalPractice, Life and Health and Disability Insurance,
Comprehensive Practice Coverage
 Specialize in Dental Professionals
 Work Throughout the United States

19. Summary
Existing Group Disability Plan
$1,500/Month Benefit
$150,000 Loan Payoff
Guaranteed Coverage After Graduation

20. Bret Anthony Barger, DDS