The health insurance that is available to all people in the event they become disabled, is an important part of their protection. Having health insurance is also important for persons with disabilities, because they need it to receive treatment and care from health 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. Universal health coverage could improve the quality-of-life of people with disabilities and their families.
Benefits of Disabled Persons
You might qualify for government benefits if your disability is severe. Social Security Disability Insurance Supplemental Security Income, and Medicaid are some of the options.
The benefits that you receive may vary depending on where you live. The disability program that you qualify for will depend on your state.
Medicare and SSI offer low-income individuals disability benefits. However, they do not cover all 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. These benefits can be applied for online or in person.
The most common form of disability is mental impairment. This includes conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, bipolar, and depression. A physical disability, such as arthritis and back injuries, is also common.
The insurance can be purchased from your employer or separately through a health insurance provider. These policies are expensive but important if your medical condition prevents you from working.
Getting Long-Term Disability Insurance
A growing number of employers offer disability insurance, which often comes as part of a larger employee benefit package. LIMRA, an organization that tracks health benefits at work, reported that 41 percent offer disability insurance. Some employers even pay the cost of these plans for their employees.
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.
This is a great benefit, especially for those with lower incomes who do not have another type of disability coverage. It can also be beneficial for younger workers who may lose their jobs because of a disability.
Long-Term Disabilities (LTD) at SUNY
The University of New York covers all professional, UUP or MC employees for free. 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.