Health insurance is a crucial part of the protection that all people need in case they become disabled. It is essential for disabled people to have health insurance, as they will need it in order to receive care and treatment from healthcare professionals.
Having good health coverage helps to ensure that you'll be able to cover costs related to your disability, such as your rent or mortgage payments, car loans, food, medical bills and insurance premiums. Investments in universal health insurance for people with disabilities can improve the lives of both those individuals and their communities.
Disability Benefits
If you're disabled, you may qualify for disability benefits from the government. Social Security Disability Insurance Supplemental Security Income, and Medicaid are some of the options.
Your state may have different disability benefits. You will be able to determine which disability program is right for you and how much you'll pay.
Medicare and SSI, two programs for low-income individuals that offer disability benefits, do not cover all medical costs. Some other programs may include life insurance, private disability coverage 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 to receive these benefits either online or personally.
The most common disability is a mental impairment, including conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and autism. Physical disabilities, like arthritis or back injuries are also very common.
Long-term disability coverage is available through your employer or from an insurance company. These policies may be expensive, yet they are essential if for some reason you cannot work.
You can get long-term disability insurance
A growing number of employers offer disability insurance, which often comes as part of a larger employee benefit package. LIMRA, a research firm that tracks workplace health benefits, reports that 41 percent of companies offer it. Some employers pay for these plans.
These long-term disabilities plans pay a certain percentage of your wage, usually between 50-70%. They usually have an "elimination" period, meaning you must wait until a serious injury or illness occurs to be eligible for benefits.
It is especially beneficial for lower-paid workers who have no other form of disability insurance. It is also beneficial to younger workers who are at risk of losing their job due a disability.
SUNY Disability Long-Term (LTD).
The University of New York provides LTD coverage for all its professional, UUP and MC employees at no cost. 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.
The Standard offers the LTD program directly, or you can contact your SUNY office for more information. You will need to fill out a brief application and provide proof of your insurability such as a medical exam.