Long Term Disability Insurance
Long term disability insurance provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a long-term illness or injury. The insurance covers a portion of the individual's salary and can help offset the financial burden of being unable to work.
As social security disability lawyers in Texas, we understand the importance of long term disability insurance and have helped many individuals navigate the process of applying for benefits.
What Medical Conditions Qualify for Long Term Disability?
Long term disability insurance typically covers any medical condition that prevents an individual from working for an extended period of time. The specific medical conditions that qualify for long term disability can vary depending on the policy and the insurance provider.
Some common medical conditions that may qualify for long term disability include:
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Cancer
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Chronic Pain
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COPD
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Diabetes
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Heart Disease
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Mental Health Disorders
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
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Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Parkinson's Disease
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Sleep Disorders
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Stroke
In order to qualify for long term disability benefits, an individual must provide medical documentation that supports their claim. This may include medical records, test results, and statements from doctors.
Long Term Disability Benefits
If an individual is approved for long term disability benefits, they will receive a monthly payment that is typically a percentage of their salary. The exact amount of the payment will depend on the terms of the policy and the insurance provider.
Long term disability benefits can help cover living expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, groceries, and other necessities. The benefits can also be used to cover medical expenses not covered by health insurance.
It is important to note that there is usually a waiting period before an individual can begin receiving long term disability benefits. The waiting period can range from 30 days to several months depending on the policy.
What Happens When an Employee Goes on Long-Term Disability?
Once an employee is approved for long term disability benefits, they will no longer be able to work. Depending on the policy, the employee may be required to undergo regular medical evaluations to determine if they are still eligible for benefits.
Who Pays Health Insurance While on Long-Term Disability?
When someone goes on long-term disability due to a medical condition, they may wonder who will pay for their health insurance. In most cases, this will depend on the terms of their disability insurance policy or employer-provided benefits.
If an individual has private long-term disability insurance coverage (purchased independently or through their employer), the policy may include provisions for continuing health insurance coverage while on disability leave. This could mean either paying for COBRA continuation coverage or providing a separate plan with similar coverage to what was offered before becoming disabled.
If the individual is covered by an employer-provided group health insurance plan, they may be able to continue their coverage under COBRA regulations. COBRA allows individuals who have lost their job or experienced a reduction in work hours due to disability (among other reasons) to continue their group health insurance coverage for up to 18 months (or longer in some circumstances).
If an individual qualifies for Medicare or Medicaid while on long-term disability, these programs can provide additional healthcare coverage and may help cover some of the cost of medical expenses.
How Disability Action Advocates Can Help You
If you're dealing with a Social Security Disability case, even the smallest issues can hold significant weight. That's why working with an SSD lawyer is beneficial. The legal requirements and language can be extensive and stressful, but a professional lawyer can clarify each point of the process for your best chance at a favorable outcome.
Our team provides personalized guidance throughout every step of the process, from filing paperwork to representing you at your hearing. We have helped many clients in Dallas and Fort Worth, and we want to help you too. Contact Disability Action Advocates today for seasoned legal representation that reduces stress and improves upon any weaknesses in your current file.