Disability Benefits Terminated Due to Facebook Photos

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has reported that Nathalie Blanchard, who had been on long-term disability leave from her job at IBM due to depression, had her benefit payments terminated after she posted photographs of herself on Facebook that depicted her vacationing, having fun at Chippendale’s and enjoying her birthday party.  Her insurer, Manulife, confirms that it uses Facebook as a tool for investigating its insureds.   Ms. Blanchard contends that her doctor advised her to engage in fun activities to combat depression.   The story is a reminder to insureds to be aware of insurance company surveillance.  The CBC’s full article can be read here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/depressed-woman-loses-benefits-over-facebook-photos-1.861843