Wegener's and disability

[Jack]

Strange how most of Western society seems to have come up with medical provision for all, but not the USA. I don't understand how it has happened in a country founded by poor immigrants.

Sorry, this is probably starting to get political now - I'll leave you to swap information between you that may help.

[renidrag]

I have to tell you I saw the title and went for the end before reading most of the posts. I filed for disability on 9-17 10 (short term) as my manager expressed to me that I should do that. My benefits ran out on 12-17. I filed for long term disability in November knowing they did not want me back at work, and knowing I can not perform as I should. I have heard nothing from the Insurance Co. since and the did not finalize all the info they needed until 12-28. That means we will possibly be without income for at least two months. How can we survive, how can anyone survive, and the most we will get out of the insurance is sixty per cent of my income. I am usually not this wordy but the anger and frustration regarding this subject, well, I can't express. Jack. as Sanye expressed, in this country there is no safety net. I will leave it there as I could really get political. I have had no dealings with the IRS to this point. We have saved all medical expenses (out of pocket) to claim on our income taxes and yet with the reduced or no income, it costs me $228.00 per month to keep my private health insurance. I could go on for a while, but at this point should probably take another xanex.

[Sangye]

Dale, I'm so sorry to hear that. I maintained my private health insurance policy until last March even though I was on Medicare because if/when I can go back to work I'll lose the Medicare and won't be able to get insured. I finally had to give it up, though. My premium had increased 400% in 6 years. It was $750 a month when I canceled it-- 85% of my disability. (That was in addition to a $3,000 annual deductible.) Even if I can go back to work I can't cover that kind of expense. I have no idea what I'll do if I can work again. Man, hand me a xanax too.

[renidrag]

Xanex to Sanye. Happy, Healthy and Remission New Year to All.
As an aside, I am an Independent voter and at this point really don't know where to go. No more politics.
I promise, til the next time. Maybe tomorrow.
Dale

[drz]

No Jack, there isn't any catch net here. Millions of people have no insurance and no way to pay for medical care. We have people taking their meds every other day instead of daily to save money, or not being able to afford them at all. The number one cause of bankruptcy in the US is medical expenses. People lose their homes, their savings, everything and still can't afford insurance, doctors, procedures or drugs.

Those who are very poor qualify for state medical assistance (Medicaid), which is terrible care. Very few doctors accept it and you can wait months or years to get into a specialist. You can't use it in a different state. It doesn't cover everything. The governor of Arizona recently made a controversial decision that prevents Medicaid from paying for certain organ transplants.

I think in my state any medical facility that takes Medicare must also take Medicaid and they pay equally, but proposed and pending cuts are making it more difficult to find vendors that will accept new patients on either. Most people in our nursing homes are on Medicaid and they receive same level of care as those who are private pay since that is our state law.

As Sangye said some states are cutting their Medicaid benefits due to financial pressures. One person who was eligible for a liver transplant in another state previously was recently told it would not be covered anymore due to cut backs at state level. His family and friends are trying to raise the money privately but 1/2 milllion dollars is hard to raise in these times. Don't know what happened or will happen in his case. Most likely some wealthy person will cover it for him but it is a bad situation. Some free drugs are available from drug vendors for PR purposes for people who can't buy them. Sometimes doctors have scripts for free drugs for these patients. Medical bills are leading cause of bankruptcy in USA which is an embarrassment for a wealthy country with a very advanced medical care system that attracts people from all over the world for medical care while many USA citizens can't get such care.

[jtausan]

Thanks Sanyge for the very valuable information!

[Minneapolismark]

If you are having trouble with a disability insurance company let me know. There is a disability lawyer who is herself disabled and will help pro bono--without cost.

I am covered be LTD, but did lose my house. On the other hand I could not keep it up anyway. By the way, the Mayo will apparently help with your disability paperwork, if you are a patient. At least that is what the handbook said.

[Psyborg]

At this point I feel extremely lucky that I don't need to go on disability. I do have a question though (on the chance I need it in the future), can you apply for SS disability while still on LTD insurance? If I ever need to do so I'd rather I did it in the best order possible.

[dunkie2202]

Dale, I'm so sorry to hear that. I maintained my private health insurance policy until last March even though I was on Medicare because if/when I can go back to work I'll lose the Medicare and won't be able to get insured. I finally had to give it up, though. My premium had increased 400% in 6 years. It was $750 a month when I canceled it-- 85% of my disability. (That was in addition to a $3,000 annual deductible.) Even if I can go back to work I can't cover that kind of expense. I have no idea what I'll do if I can work again. Man, hand me a xanax too.

OMG I never realized how much you guy's pay for medical treatment (insurance). Our health system is so totally different.
So if you pay into health insurance, do you need to pay for medicine's or any other medical treatment as well or is it all covered by the insurance?

[Sangye]

At this point I feel extremely lucky that I don't need to go on disability. I do have a question though (on the chance I need it in the future), can you apply for SS disability while still on LTD insurance? If I ever need to do so I'd rather I did it in the best order possible.

Phil, check out the FAQ on the Social Security website. I remember seeing that question.