LTD Caseworker Visit

[Mustang0064]

My long term insurance is sending over a caseworker...i have been off for almost 2yrs now. They say it's normal procedure. I have had MS for over 10yrs, the past 2 being the worst.

Health wise and fatigue wise it is the same as it was when i left.  The company i was with downsized since my departure and my job is non existent.

So has anyone had to go through this type of visit, if so what should i expect?

[Mustang0064]

Update..the caseworker came yesterday..she is independently hired by the insurance company..i have her card she french so basically it says her name and B.A. Psych RRP. Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant.
My daughter was here, she comes once a week to clean so we had her over yesterday  and she helped a lot explaining the changes she has seen in me etc.  I was myself and answered her questions about all things in general, health, relationships, stresses, finances, life.
I felt comfortable with her and my daughter said i did a good job so now we wait for the lady to send her report to the insurance.  It is a routine check up, this is the first time i have met anyone representing the insurance company and i have been off for almost 2yrs.

[Lulu54]

Sorry to hear about the delay - I'm sure this is one visit you would like to have behind you.  Keep us posted, Lu

[Mustang0064]

Due to bad weather my caseworker has cancelled and we have rescheduled for Feb 22nd!

still have lower back pain on and off for no reason...inflammation .

[Mustang0064]

Thanks you hit the nail on the head i have this:
policy has an "any occupation" definition after two years.  And you are correct doublevision1 as well it is up to age 65.

I have read what i could find from Empire Life.  The woman i have been dealing with there is super...so far.
However it is not her that will be doing the meeting next week it is a rep who is closer and only does this type of work.

Thanks everyone for your input...i will keep you all informed.  I am sure i am worrying about nothing...to bad she isn't here today i have a nasty lower back ache...for no reason.
Inflammation, for sure so i took a Naproxen a couple of hours ago...no relief yet.

[facingforward]

Long term disability policies differ substantially from one another in some respects so it's important to read the policy that covers you.    

FYI Many group policies provide coverage based on the "own/regular occupation" definition for the first two years and revert to an "any occupation" definition thereafter (i.e. any occupation for which you are reasonably qualified by training, experience, and education).

Under the first definition, own/regular occupation, it is easier for an employee to meet the eligibility requirements for disability. Not to worry you unnecessarily, but some individuals who receive disability benefits under the "own/regular occupation" definition don't satisfy the "any occupation" definition when it comes into effect.

If your policy has an "any occupation" definition after two years, the meeting with a caseworker may be to assess your abilities to perform other jobs—even sedentary ones.

You became disabled from a physically challenging job.  Maybe you can prepare for the interview by focusing on how your current reality (fatigue etc.) makes any regular, full-time work impossible.  

Good luck.

[doublevision1]

I agree with Lulu, it is likely a routine review, probably an annual requirement of the carrier.  Based on my experience (professional -not personal), LTD carriers focus their attention on claimants who are younger, ie: with a while to go before retirement, as coverage usually ceases at age 65; the younger the claimant, the more costly the claim.  However given the unpredictability of MS and the impact of symptoms on so many aspects of functioning, it is usually not an issue to continue receiving benefits as long as the medical documentation supports that.  I agree with the suggestion to have someone else present to assist and possibly document the visit if necessary.<

I also recommend, if you havent already done so, to read your LTD plan from start to finish.  This can be a challenge,as these legal contracts are long, detailed, and reading them can be mind numbing, even without cognitive symptoms,.  If this is too difficult, ask a family member or friend do so.  It is important to understand your LTD plan especially any details around disqualification; for example, some carriers require claimants to notify them if the claimant is planning to be out of province or country for a certain length of time.

Hope the visit is - or was - OK.  If you are so inclined, I am interested to hear how things went.

[Lulu54]

I'm glad he is looking out for you - but you can confess here - do you ever push the limits when he's not around?  I sure would! :-)

We used to jest around here about taking long, hot showers, blow drying hair  excessively, and maybe even go jogging  before important neuro visits so the disabilities would be more obvious.  LOL

Seriously, just be yourself and be honest.  I'm sure this is nothing but a routine follow -up.

Lulu

[Mustang0064]

Thanks rendean ....it is so funny i am 46 yrs old and my boyfriend has rules for me while he is away at work....no cooking (fear of fire) , no bathing (fear drowning) no upstairs ( fear i will fall again), oh ya last but not least...be careful what i eat so i don't choke...and then there are sharp objects and my urgent need to pee ...immediately..barely make it from the kitchen through the living room and to the bathroom...i take it all with a grain of salt so i appear nonchalant about this...however it is my brain we are talking about.

[rendean]

Hi, I would certainly have someone with you that can document your bad days and the errors made on such occasions. I also think your notes my come in handy.

I have not had a LTD visit but my disability is updated every 3 months by my neuro with a form they send him.

Good luck with the visit and I hope it's on a day when your disabilities are obvious.

Ren

[Mustang0064]

Thanks for answering.  I really don't know how to prepare for this visit and how to conduct myself....My hubby takes care of me i have good days and bad days.  Mostly congnitive, bladder, some mobility issues due to pain and numbness. I know i can't work like i used to on the biotech farm, hauling feed, injecting animals, midwifing the births,etc etc very physical plus being science all has to be logged...on time and without errors lol!

So if she comes on a day when i feel good there are not many apparent symptoms...how do i handle this.  Should i have someone here cause i am good at forgetting to mention things concerning me....lol.

I have kept some notes on my days and also have MRI cd...dunno...any hints....anyone??

[RedFlame]

What comes to mind is perhaps making a list of services you feel you need.  They want to keep you out of a long-term residential facility.  Because of that, they will do just about anything to keep you out of that costly benefit.

Do you know the services you need?
Red