The health insurance that is available to all people in the event they become disabled, is an important part of their protection. People with disabilities also need health insurance to be able to receive medical treatment.
A good insurance policy will ensure you are able to pay for costs relating to your disability. These include rent or mortgage payment, car loan, food, and medical bills. The investment in universal healthcare coverage for people who have disabilities could improve their quality of life, and that of their communities.
Benefits of Disabled Persons
You might qualify for government benefits if your disability is severe. These include Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.
Your state may have different disability benefits. The disability program that you qualify for will depend on your state.
Medicare and SSI are two programs that provide low-income individuals with disability benefits, but they do not cover the full range of medical expenses. There are also private disability, life and long term insurance programs.
You may be eligible for these benefits based on your tax history and work experience. You can apply for these benefits online or in person.
A mental disability is the most common, which includes conditions like depression, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and Autism. A physical disability, such as arthritis and back injuries, is also common.
You can buy long-term disabilities insurance through your employer. Or you can purchase it from a health insurer. They can be costly, but are necessary if you're unable to work due to a medical condition.
Getting Long-Term Disability Insurance
Many employers are offering disability insurance as a part of their employee benefits 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 disability plans pay a percentage of wages, typically 50-70%. These plans usually have an "elimination phase," which means that you need to wait until you are injured or ill to receive benefits.
This can be especially valuable for workers on lower salaries, who may not have access to any other type disability insurance. It is also beneficial to younger workers who are at risk of losing their job due a disability.
SUNY Long Term Disability (LTD).
The University of New York covers all professional, UUP or MC employees for free. The University also offers the option for employees to purchase an employee-paid LTD plan, which covers up to 60 percent of their pre-disability earnings, with a salary cap of $16,667 per month.
You can apply for the LTD directly through The Standard. Or, you can do so via your SUNY HR office. You'll be required to submit a short form and proof of insurance, such as an exam.