California state disability Insurance (SDI) Law - Mandates a non-occupational, short-term disability plan funded through a tax-supported state fund; in effect since 1946. Employers may substitute a private, self-insured plan exceeding state fund standards; additional cost is funded by employer, employees, or both.

Case management (integrated) - Coordination of short and long-term disability, health care, workers' compensation, ergonomics, and return-to-work programs to improved care delivery, streamline claims administration, and return employees to work.

Ceding company - See reinsurance.

Census data - Information such as date of birth, sex, income, or occupation on persons eligible for or insured by a group policy; used to determine premium rates or benefits.

Chronic Disease - A condition whose symptoms may be ameliorated with treatment but the underlying condition cannot be cured.

Claim - 1) A demand to an insurer or third-party administrator by, or on behalf of, a covered person of disability or workers' compensation benefits requesting payment under the terms of the policy. 2) A written request by a health care provider to receive payment for services provided.

Claim, closed - A claim under which all contractual benefits have been paid.

Claim, controverted - In workers' compensation, a claim that has been questioned in whole or part by the insurer, third-party administrator, or self-insured employer.

Claim, incurred - The dollar amount of an insurer's liability at a certain point in time: the sum of paid claims, open claim reserves, and incurred but unreported claim reserves, discounted for interest earnings.

Claimant - An individual who submits a claim.

Confidentiality - The degree of protection afforded individually identifiable health information. When sharing information and records about an individual, insurers and employers must respect an individual's right to privacy.

Contributory insurance - A type of employer-sponsored coverage for which the covered employee pays a portion of the premium cost. The same portion of any benefit received is tax-free to the employee.

Current procedural terminology (CPT) - A list of descriptive terms and identifying codes for medical, surgical, and diagnostic services and procedures. Provides a uniform language for reporting and billing purposes.