Missouri law

Long-Term Disability & ERISA Laws in Missouri.

Most private long-term disability (LTD) insurance is employer-sponsored and governed by ERISA, which preempts state contract and bad-faith claims. ERISA claims must exhaust internal appeals and are reviewed under a deferential standard if the plan grants discretion. Individual (non-ERISA) policies are governed by Missouri contract law and may support vexatious-refusal penalties under RSMo § 375.420.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Missouri Statutes

ERISA Preemption29 U.S.C. § 1144; Aetna Health Inc. v. Davila, 542 U.S. 200 (2004)

ERISA preempts state-law breach of contract and bad-faith claims for employer-sponsored LTD plans.

Individual Policy Vexatious RefusalRSMo § 375.420

For non-ERISA individual LTD policies, Missouri's vexatious-refusal statute provides a penalty and attorney fees for refusal without reasonable cause.

Standard of Review (ERISA)Firestone v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101 (1989)

De novo unless the plan grants the administrator discretion; then abuse-of-discretion applies.

State law

Official Sources

U.S. Department of Labor — EBSA Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.

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Long-Term Disability & ERISA Laws in Missouri.

Key Missouri Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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