Q. I read that one of the features of the D.C. Disability Plan is that any Elective Chiropractic Preventative/Maintenance Care I receive will not subject my application to expanded underwriting. In addition, Elective Chiropractic Preventative/Maintenance Care is not considered a pre-existing condition. Why is this important?

This feature was included in the D.C. Disability Plan to make sure it fits the needs of Doctors of Chiropractic. For example, let’s assume you visit your chiropractor for Elective Chiropractic Preventative/Maintenance Care within the 12-month period before the effective date of your disability plan. Some plans may consider any Elective Chiropractic Preventative/Maintenance Care a pre-existing condition. So, if you file a claim due to back pain, for instance, they may deny the claim. That’s not the case with the D.C. Long Term Disability Plan.

Q. The material states the D.C. Disability Plan can replace up to 60% of my pre-disability earnings. Why only 60%?

The 60% limit is an insurance regulation; it is not unique to the D.C. Disability Plan. This limitation was imposed so people don’t profit from receiving disability benefits.

Q. How do I determine my monthly benefit amount?

First, determine your Pre-Disability Monthly Earnings by using the following:

For D.C.s who are an owner, partner or shareholder, this means income after deducting business expenses from gross receipts. (Find your monthly average by using the last 2 years of income that is distributed by the corporation to you and claimed as annual income on your individual income tax return.)
For D.C.s receiving a W-2, this means your average monthly base salary over the last 2 years, not counting commissions, bonuses, overtime pay, tokens, fringe benefits or extra compensation.

Then, multiply your Pre-Disability Monthly Earnings amount by 12 to determine your annual income. Find your annual income range on the Quarterly Rate Sheet, and from there you’ll see the monthly benefit amount that corresponds with your annual income range.

For example, assume your pre-disability monthly earnings are $4,000. Multiply that figure by 12 to determine your annual income amount - $48,000, which falls in the income range of $45,001-$50,000. The corresponding monthly benefit amount is $2,250. Determine your quarterly premium by selecting “with or without workers’ compensation” and your chosen waiting period. Write your monthly benefit amount on the application.

Q. Is the D.C. Long Term Disability Insurance Plan available anywhere other than through NBAC?

No. The D.C. Disability Plan is only available to members of NBAC through NCMIC Insurance Services, the exclusive agent. You cannot get this protection through an independent agent.

Q. What is the National Business Association for Chiropractors (NBAC)?

The National Business Association for Chiropractors (NBAC) is dedicated to helping Doctors of Chiropractic with the business aspects of their personal planning and professional careers.

Why NBAC was established
The chiropractic profession has several state and national organizations that are vital to address the legislative, political and public relations aspects of the chiropractic profession. There was a real need for a complement to those organizations … one that focused specifically on the business details a chiropractor faces.

What NBAC offers members
NBAC focuses on two distinct areas. First, NBAC provides information and resources that relate to the business needs D.C.s face with running their practice. This includes incorporation considerations, cash flow and its impact, the importance of business plans, sources of practice funding, staffing considerations, and office space utilization. Second, NBAC also focuses on a D.C.'s personal planning needs such as managing debt, the importance of credit scores and retirement planning.