Fewer people are insuring themselves against the impact of a disabling injury or illness, according to new research from The Hartford, released today. The report shows just 49 percent of U.S. workers have short-term disability insurance and 44 percent have long-term disability insurance, a drop of 6 percent and 3 percent, respectively, from last year's numbers.

This is concerning news to the insurance and financial company, they say, as disability insurance protects people's ability to earn a paycheck.

 "We are concerned about the lower number of Americans who have coverage designed to provide a financial safety net," says Ron Gendreau, executive vice president of The Hartford's Group Benefits. "Approximately two million Americans have experienced a disabling illness or injury so far this year. Based on our survey, about half of those workers will continue to have an income to help pay for expenses while they are recovering from their disability."