Understanding how MetLife Legal Plan pays attorneys is a key question for anyone considering this benefit, whether you're a potential plan member or an attorney looking to join their network. It's not a simple hourly rate paid directly by you, the member, but rather a structured system designed to make legal assistance affordable and accessible.
So, are you curious about how this innovative legal benefit actually works when it comes to attorney compensation? Let's dive in and unravel the financial mechanics of MetLife Legal Plans!
The Core Principle: Prepaid Legal Services
At its heart, MetLife Legal Plan operates on a prepaid legal services model. This means that you, as a plan member, pay a relatively small, flat monthly or annual fee. In return, MetLife Legal Plans covers the legal fees for a wide range of covered services when you utilize their network attorneys. It's essentially a form of insurance for legal needs.
Step 1: Understanding Your Role as a MetLife Legal Plan Member
- Your Monthly Contribution: The first and most crucial step is to understand that your primary financial contribution is your regular plan premium. This premium, often deducted conveniently from your payroll if offered through an employer, is what grants you access to the network of attorneys and the covered services. It's typically far less than the average hourly rate of an attorney. For example, some plans might cost around $16-$22 per month, while the average attorney hourly fee can be $300-$400 or more.
- No Direct Attorney Payments (for Covered Services): This is a major benefit. For services fully covered by your MetLife Legal Plan and when you use a network attorney, you generally do not pay the attorney directly. There are:
- No co-pays
- No deductibles
- No claim forms
- No usage limits for covered matters.
- The "Fully Covered" Concept: "Fully covered" means that all attorney services related to the specific legal matter are paid for by the legal plan. This is where the magic happens for the member!
Step 2: How MetLife Legal Plans Compensates Network Attorneys
This is where the direct payment happens, but it's between MetLife Legal Plans and the attorney, not you.
- Contractual Agreements: MetLife Legal Plans establishes contractual agreements with a vast network of pre-qualified attorneys across the country. These agreements outline the types of services the attorneys will provide to plan members and the fixed fees MetLife Legal Plans will pay them for those services.
- Set Fee Schedules: MetLife Legal Plans pays its network attorneys based on a pre-determined fee schedule. This schedule specifies the compensation for various covered legal matters. For example, preparing a simple will might have a set fee, as would representing a client in a specific type of civil litigation or assisting with a home closing.
- Volume and Predictability: For attorneys, being part of the MetLife Legal Plans network can provide a steady stream of clients and predictable income for certain types of cases. While the individual fee for a specific service might be lower than their standard hourly rate, the volume of cases and reduced administrative overhead can make it an attractive arrangement. It allows attorneys to focus on providing legal services without the often-time-consuming process of billing individual clients.
- Not Hourly Billing to Members: It's critical to reiterate that network attorneys are generally not billing you, the MetLife Legal Plan member, on an hourly basis for covered services. Their compensation comes from MetLife Legal Plans according to their agreement.
Step 3: Understanding "Out-of-Network" Attorney Reimbursement
While using a network attorney offers the most seamless and cost-effective experience, MetLife Legal Plans often provides flexibility.
- Your Choice of Attorney: You generally have the option to use an attorney outside of the MetLife Legal Plans network.
- Reimbursement, Not Direct Payment: If you choose an out-of-network attorney, MetLife Legal Plans will reimburse you for a portion of their fees.
- MetLife's Fee Schedule Still Applies: The reimbursement amount will be based on MetLife Legal Plans' own set fee schedule for that particular service, or the attorney's actual charge, whichever is less.
- Your Out-of-Pocket Responsibility: This means that if the out-of-network attorney's fees exceed the amount MetLife Legal Plans reimburses, you will be responsible for paying the difference. This is why utilizing a network attorney is almost always the more financially advantageous option for covered matters. You effectively get "fully covered" services with network attorneys, while out-of-network use involves partial reimbursement.
Step 4: What is Covered and What Isn't?
While MetLife Legal Plans cover a broad range of personal legal matters (often over 100!), it's crucial to understand the scope.
- Broad Coverage: Common covered services include:
- Estate Planning: Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, living wills.
- Family Law: Adoption, divorce (often with a set number of hours covered), name changes, prenuptial agreements.
- Real Estate: Home purchase/sale, landlord/tenant issues, boundary disputes, refinancing.
- Financial Matters: Debt collection defense, personal bankruptcy, tax audit representation.
- Civil Lawsuits: Defense of civil litigation, small claims assistance, consumer goods disputes.
- Traffic Matters: Defense of traffic tickets (excluding DUI in some cases).
- Unlimited Consultations: For many plans, you get unlimited advice and consultations with network attorneys on a wide variety of personal legal matters, even if the matter isn't "fully covered" for full representation. This is incredibly valuable for getting initial guidance.
- Exclusions: Like any plan, there are exclusions. Common exclusions include:
- Employment-related matters
- Matters involving your employer, MetLife, or its affiliates
- Matters for which you retained an attorney before becoming eligible for plan benefits (pre-existing, but already engaged an attorney)
- Business-related legal issues
- Contingency fee cases where a portion of the settlement goes to the attorney
Step 5: Accessing Your MetLife Legal Plan Benefits
Getting legal help through your MetLife Legal Plan is designed to be straightforward.
- Online Portal/Client Service Center: You typically start by accessing your member account online or calling MetLife Legal Plans' Client Service Center.
- Finding an Attorney: You can search for a network attorney in your area based on your legal need. MetLife has a large network of over 18,000 attorneys.
- Scheduling an Appointment: Once you've selected an attorney, you contact them directly to schedule an appointment. You identify yourself as a MetLife Legal Plan member.
- No Paperwork for Covered Services: When using a network attorney for a covered matter, the billing is handled directly between MetLife Legal Plans and the law firm. You don't typically need to fill out claim forms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to use my MetLife Legal Plan?
To use your MetLife Legal Plan, you typically access your member account online or call their Client Service Center. They will help you verify eligibility, determine coverage for your specific legal matter, and provide you with contact information for network attorneys in your area.
How to find a MetLife Legal Plan network attorney?
You can find a MetLife Legal Plan network attorney through their member website portal, which often has a searchable directory, or by calling their Client Service Center, who can provide referrals based on your needs and location.
How to know if a legal matter is covered by MetLife Legal Plan?
You can determine if a legal matter is covered by reviewing your specific plan's benefit summary or contacting MetLife Legal Plans' Client Service Center. They can make an initial determination of coverage.
How to handle pre-existing legal matters with MetLife Legal Plan?
MetLife Legal Plans generally covers pre-existing legal matters. The only exception is if you had already retained an attorney for that specific matter before becoming eligible for the plan benefits.
How to get reimbursed for out-of-network attorney fees with MetLife Legal Plan?
If you use an out-of-network attorney, you will need to submit a reimbursement request to MetLife Legal Plans, often with documentation of the services rendered and fees paid. Reimbursement will be based on MetLife's set fee schedule for that service or the attorney's actual charge, whichever is less.
How to know the cost of MetLife Legal Plan?
The cost of a MetLife Legal Plan varies depending on the employer or group offering the benefit. It's typically a flat monthly or annual fee, often deducted from payroll, and can range from approximately $15 to $25 per month.
How to confirm what "fully covered" means for MetLife Legal Plan?
"Fully covered" with MetLife Legal Plans means that for covered services rendered by a network attorney, all attorney fees are paid by the legal plan, and you will not incur any co-pays, deductibles, or need to file claim forms.
How to enroll in MetLife Legal Plan?
Enrollment in MetLife Legal Plan is usually offered as a voluntary benefit through your employer during open enrollment periods or as a new hire. You would typically sign up through your employer's benefits portal or HR department.
How to contact MetLife Legal Plan customer service?
You can contact MetLife Legal Plans' Client Service Center, typically by calling their toll-free number (often 800-821-6400), for assistance with plan details, finding attorneys, or understanding coverage.
How to understand if MetLife Legal Plan is worth it for me?
MetLife Legal Plan is often worth it if you anticipate needing legal assistance for common personal matters like estate planning, real estate transactions, or family law issues. The fixed, low monthly cost can provide significant savings compared to paying attorney fees out-of-pocket, which can easily run into hundreds of dollars per hour.
