Disability Insurance

[goofysmom1]

I am undiagnosed at this time, but just saw my new MS Neuro this week and she says that MS should be "highly suspected".  I have another MRI scheduled for tomorrow (on a 3T) and plan to see her again in about 3 weeks to go over the MRI.

My employer does not offer disability insurance as a benefit, so I am looking into purchasing an individual policy.  I know that once someone has been officially diagnosed with MS, that getting disability insurance is impossible, but what if it is "suspected"?

Anybody have any experience or wisdom that they can share?

Chrisy

[goofysmom1]

I should clarify that I was talking about individual disability income insurance. It is a private policy (that I would pay for out of my own pocket) that protects your income if you become disabled long term.  Social security disability is the same thing, but that is a part of the goverment plan that we can access (hopefully) if we are disabled.  There is also group disability policies that are offered by employers as a part of your benefits - medical, dental, etc.

I work for a small company and I do not have those benefits, medical, dental, etc.  I am fortunate that my husbands medical insurance is so comprehensive.  

I spoke to an insurance broker about my situation:  not diagnosed, but being investigated and that my neuro is highly suspicious that I have MS.

He told me that in terms of an individual (private) disability policy, they would certainly discover my current health situation during the underwriting (discovery) phase prior to issuing a policy.  

He said that even if they didn't discover my current health issues, and issued a policy, if I needed to file a disablity claim in 3 to 5 years (depending on the company issuing the policy) for MS - they would go back to the period of time prior to the policy being issued, and discover that I was being investigated for MS.  They would deny the claim and cancel the policy.  All the money spent up to that point would have been wasted.

He did say that if I get the diagnosis of MS - he does have a couple of companies who will write disability policies for people diagnosed with MS.  The policy is not as comprehensive as one that a "healthy" person would get, but it would be better than not having any.

I began thinking about this disibility insurance only because I don't want to have to depend on Social Security Disability - if I should become disabled.  This could give me an added layer of income protection - should I need it.

Hope this helps.

Chrisy

[meg321]

Thanks Tammy, i didnt understand what they were talking about..

hugs, meg

[Tammy826]

Hello meg, I think what she was tak=lking about was disability through her job & not the Social Security disability. I have also applied for the SS disability & have the opposite problem I can't get anything without a dx but can't get the dx without a medical card from SS disability. I hoe this helps & I hope I'm not mistaken in the type she applied for. Best wishes!
                   Tammy

[meg321]

I am confused, which is very normal now.i applied for State Disability and wnt thru the whole process but have not heard from them yet.

You keep saying that if you are already dx'd with MS you may not get it.  That is the reason i need it otherwise I would be working..

explain please !!

thanks, meg

[rendean]

From personal experience at my job, my company disability insurance would not cover me for any "pre-existing conditions" until I had worked 12 full months plus on day if the disabillty claim.

The define pre-exisitng as any condiotn that you have sought treatment for, Have had medical testing for,  have consulted a physician or other health care provider regarding this conditon, took meidcation for this condtion even if it was not diagosised at that time.

Currently, I am waiting on an answer from the insruance company since my docs have not finished their paperwork and sent it yet.

I wish you luck with obtaing insurance. Hopefully there is some kind of insurance available.

Ren

[goofysmom1]

I spoke to the National MS Society today and I was told that until I have a diagnosis - I should try for disability insurance.  I will be inquiring tomorrow to get the process started.

Thanks for everyones replies.

Chrisy

[goofysmom1]

Thanks for that tip - I will call them first tomorrow & see what they advise.

Chrisy

[HVAC]

The National MS Society has people who can answer your question. Legally they can o.k. you. You pay your premiums for however long and then when you go to collect they say you misrepresented a medical condition so we do not have to pay. Most ask have you had any tests in the last five years. Have you seen a Dr. in the last five years why.

Alex

[goofysmom1]

I think that my trip to the Mayo clinic in January might be a tip off!!  :)  

Going to try - we will see what happens.  Also going to take Tammy's advice & see if I can talk to a disability lawyer for free.

Chrisy

[goofysmom1]

That is some good advice, I might check into a disability lawyer.  Thanks!

Good luck with your fight!

Chrisy

[jensequitur]

As long as you haven't been diagnosed, you've got a chance.  If you've been through the wringer with lots and lots of tests, then it's less likely that they'll let you slide.  As far as I know - I haven't had to rely on my disability insurance yet.

[Tammy826]

I'm going through the same but with SS disability. MS is suspected (one neuro dxed but the next one took it away) but with no diagnosis its been really hard. I recently saw a disability lawyer so you might check on that(some offer free contingency fee & most will see you the 1st time free). It really irritates me to see those that get it that don't need it working like dogs & getting paid under the table & I have to fight for it & cant walk sometimes. I guess they must be smarter than me though. I hope this helps some!!

[goofysmom1]

Thanks for your thoughts, Lulu.  I have just asked the same question of an aquaintance who works in employee benefits.

She said that they may be able to query the doctors, or they may ask for my signature so that they may contact the Medical Information Bureau.  If they do that, then they will know about all of the doctors that I have seen.

I may be out of luck at this point...going to try & see what happens.

Chrisy

[Lulu54]

I don't quite know the answer for sure on this one, but I would suspect as the insurance companies have become more cost conscience, they are doing more thorough checks of the applications people do for disability and other types of insurance.  

I just suspect that if you have already begun the testing process, the companies would find a way to kick you out of the eligible pool.  

If someone has a better understanding, please jump in here.

good luck Chrisy with this next round,
Lulu