Epilepsy and Disability Insurance

[Endless]

Hi, all.

My disability insurance company is being difficult. At least that's what it sounds like.

Have any of you been denied insurance, and then appealed and had it overturned? What did you do to make it work out?

Advice welcome.

 

[epileric]

I don't know much about how the system works in the US but hopefully this thread will help in case you haven't seen it yet. http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f23/when-you-cant-afford-medication-1452/

 

[Endless]

In the U.S. we purchase insurance that provides us with a certain percentage of our salary if we become disabled, either in the short term or the long term. Of course, the insurance company makes money by NOT paying us, even if we are disabled. They hire an "independent" doctor to review your case (note independant = their salary is paid by the insurance company) He/she looks at your diagnosis, and either says "yes we'll pay you" or "no we won't." Guess which answer is most common?

 

[Endless]

P.S. "Disabled" in the U.S. means unable to fully perform at least 2 areas of everyday living, like driving and handling everyday business matters. The diability insurance kicks in if you are temporarily or permanently unable to work.

 

[Zoofemme]

I never had a problem with it...my workplace handled all of it. They would send me the paperwork, I would sign it and they would send me my check. I used up my vacation time, short term disability, long term disability, a leave of absense and ended up on COBRA. I think altogether my company carried me for about 15 months (excluding COBRA). I wasn't paid for the LOA either...the company was hoping I would be able to come back eventually.