All people should have health insurance in case of disability. Health insurance is important for people with disabilities because it allows them to get the treatment and care they need from medical professionals.
By having good health coverage, you can ensure that your disability-related costs are covered, such as rent, mortgages, car loans and food. You'll also be able pay for medical bills, insurance premiums, and any other expenses. Investing in universal health coverage for people with disabilities could help to improve the quality of life of those individuals, as well as their communities.
Disability Benefits
You might qualify for government benefits if your disability is severe. Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Incentives are among the benefits.
Disability benefits may differ depending on the state you live in. Your state will decide which disability program you qualify for, and how much it will cost you.
Medicare and SSI provide disability benefits to low-income people, but do not cover medical expenses. You may also be eligible for private disability insurance, life insurance and long-term disability.
The eligibility of these benefits is based on the work history you have and the taxes that you have paid. You can apply in person or online for these benefits.
A mental disability is the most common, which includes conditions like depression, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and Autism. Another common form of disability is physical, such a arthritis or a back accident.
If you don't have long-term insurance, you can purchase this separately from a medical insurance company. These policies are expensive but important if your medical condition prevents you from working.
Long-Term disability insurance
Many employers are offering disability insurance as a part of their employee benefits package. LIMRA, an organization that tracks health benefits at work, reported that 41 percent offer disability insurance. Some employers pay for these plans.
These long term disability plans will pay out a portion of your salary, usually from 50-70%. However, they typically have a "elimination period," meaning that you have to wait for an injury or illness to qualify for benefits.
This can be especially valuable for workers on lower salaries, who may not have access to any other type disability insurance. It's also a good idea for younger workers that may lose their jobs due to a disabled condition.
Long-Term Disabilities (LTD) at SUNY
The University of New York is providing free LTD coverage for its professional employees, UUPs and MCs. Employees can also purchase a paid-for LTD plan that covers 60 percent of pre-disability income with a monthly salary cap of up to $16,667.
You can sign up for the LTD plan directly with The Standard, or through your SUNY human resources office. You'll also need to submit proof of insurance such as your health exam.