We contribute to the public discussion of disability and its complex challenges by sharing our expertise and supporting efforts to improve the handling of disability issues in the public sector. We were invited to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to offer solutions on improving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ disability claims processing system.

In addition, at the request of the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO), we assisted the GAO in its study of effective early intervention in the return-to-work process and are participating in a GAO forum to foster discussion on strategies for keeping adults with disabilities or impairments connected to the workforce. The forum’s focus is on key strategies and components of successful stay-at-work and return-to-work interventions and the strengths and weaknesses of current public and private sector programs.

We are participating in a discussion with the Social Security Administration Occupational Information Development Advisory Panel to address efforts to replace the existing Dictionary of Occupational Titles with a new Occupational Information System designed to meet the overall needs of the SSDI claims adjudication process.

As an employer, we have experienced first-hand the impact of the rising cost of health care. To address the cost drivers in the health care system, we have been part of State discussions trying to reach solutions and to introduce fundamental reform for reducing costs. In Maine, Unum serves on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Health Systems Development. The Council has issued reports to the legislature on cost drivers in the health care system and on health care payment reform.