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Return-path: PUMKINTOWN(AT)aol.com
From: PUMKINTOWN(AT)aol.com
Full-name: PUMKINTOWN
Message-ID: <47c85cb2.24509bcf(AT)aol.com>
Date: Thu, 22 Apr 1999 11:35:43 EDT
Subject: Re: [TMIC] Disability problems
To: mushroo(AT)juno.com
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X-Mailer: AOL 4.0 for Windows 95 sub 10
Reply-To: PUMKINTOWN(AT)aol.com
Karen,
Oh the web they weave. I don't know what your policy said, but mine was a
12/3 which meant that if I became ill within the first 12 months of work, the
I could not have been seen by a doctor for that illness for 3 months prior to
coming on their plan. TM is not an illness you get more than one time, so I
did not have to worry about the pre existing clause. It was a hassle getting
the claim started, but now my worries are about returning to work. I need
the check that comes in every month and it is substantially lower than my pay
was. It is also a taxable benefit because my premiums were not taxed,
although I pleaded with my employer to please tax the premium I was denied.
I have a recurrent rider which will allow me to return to work and will cover
me if I am unable to work during the first 6 months after my return. If I
become unable to work 185 days later I have no coverage. There is also a
conversion rider, but my previous employer changed carriers, so I cannot
exercise that option. I have been told by my doctors that a return to work
in not medically supported. Whatever that means. I have a lot of will and
spirit and am tired of all these people trying to break it. Yes, I realize
that I may hurt myself by returning to work, but I may not also. I have been
advised by legal council to settle my claim and collect SS and just stay
home. I know this is the logical thing to do so I am considering the
options. UNUM offered a settlement to me yesterday, and I did not ask for
it. My attorney asked me if I laughed in their face. I told him no, I
cried. I really don't want money. I want to be healthy enough to work and
feel good about myself again, but the stress of knowing that if I have a set
back will devastate my family financially means I have no choice but to
settle and take SS or to try and return with no disability coverage. It is
all or nothing with these companies. I don't think it is fair, but I guess
no one said life is fair. I have not made any final decisions, but my
attorney told me that after 2 years of collecting under my policy things will
change and I may be without coverage all together anyway. I have also
enlisted the help of the South Carolina Insurance Commission. They appear to
be very helpful in explaining the ins and outs of my disability policy. They
are requesting information from UNUM also so I guess I would not want to be
an UNUM employee right now. I have decided that I must fight to ensure my
families future. I will let you know any further updates as they occur.
Good Luck with your policy. I have found that now that I have the policy in
my hands, took 9 months to get it, they cannot twist their words around as
easily because I am able to catch them. My education is in accounting, not
insurance law. I am learning a lot about this stuff and I guess that is
good. It adds extra wrinkles to my brain. I just get very tired of fighting
everything, from walking to bathroom activities to balance to this crap.
Well, enough babbling for now. Feel Well,
Lori
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