K.C. in the USA.

dhs1963 said:

It is not automatic

Specifically, non surgical correctable kidney cancer makes you eligable for long term social security. 

In the States if you have had cancer do you still have to pay deductibles and copay, or is that all covered by insurance?

Djinnie

Djinnie said:

Cancer/Health Coverage

In the States if you have had cancer do you still have to pay deductibles and copay, or is that all covered by insurance?

Djinnie

I have no insurance but I do receive care through the Veteran's Administration as a Viet Nam veteran. In that regard I am more fortunate than some, but it limits my options.  Aside from that, I assume anything else would likely come out of my own pocket.

icemantoo said:

Social Security Disability

I am an attorney, but I do not specialize in Social Security Disaility.

That being said Social Secuity Disability requires permanent disability from employment starting 6 months after disability. A few of us may qualify, but most of us would rather be employable than disabled because of RCC. Somewhere I read that having Stage IV puts you on a fast track for a disability decision.

 

Icemantoo

Does that definition apply to Federal Student Loans too Iceman?

Djinnie said:

Coverage

I had a kidney op in Texas in 2003, but I was part of a study group at Zale Lipshy for kidney ablation, so they covered everything. I wasn't sure how the system worked otherwise. That must work out to be a hefty sum to find with all the scans and meds.

Over here once you have had cancer you are on 100% coverage for the rest of your life. If necessary you also have to be given access to all the new trials and treatments, irrespective of where they are in the country. I suppose if you are going to have cancer this is the best place to have it.

 

I am glad to see they give some support to the veterans Michael!

 

Djinnie

There is still a small deductible that goes with the care since I am not a service connected disability patient, but it sure beats the dickens out of no coverage.

My hand assist radical nephrectomy cost me about $1,950.00 out of pocket.  I am not complaining.

GSRon said:

"MAY"

You notice in my original post, I put "MAY" like that.. as there are many hurdles in getting those benefits.. and I also mentioned possibly getting a Disability Attorney as well.    I am working and prefer to do so.. but, truthfully, I am really not able to do a solid 8 to 10 hour work day any more..  I am considering it.  

I also mentioned that getting time off work should not be an issue due to the Family Leave Act.  Keep in mind that such leave is not normally paid, but it does save your job.

Ron

I currently am still working in a school district. I am stage IV sarcomatoid with mets in my lung and liver.

I too am finding it difficult to put in a full day, and I am able to go on the family leave act. I was on it from April through the end of July. They used my sick days to let me continue to receive a paycheck. I still have quite a few days left, and if I only work 1/2 days, I should be able to just about make it through this school year, as long as           " I make it"  through this school year. And to top that all off, I am entitled to draw and additional 30 days (after my sick days are gone and I am into 2 weeks unpaid) where I will receive a full paycheck for the 30 days.

I have the cadillac of health insurance until June of 2014, then our contract goes up for renewal. So, currently, after having my left kidney removed, a lung wedge resection, numerous CT scans, PET scans, MRI's, my out of pocket expense is $15.00 everytime I see the Dr. I believe my total is up to $75.00 now, even my treatments are covered 100%. This is the biggest reason I will continue to try to work....the insurance!

The social workers where you get treatments can help with the paperwork needed to claim disability, the disability lawyers only take a small % of what you get if approved, the problem is is that it takes quite a while to get approved. So my advice to anyone going to apply, start sooner than later.

icemantoo said:

Medicare

Baaa-bs,

 

Once you get Social Security Disability there is a 22 month wait to qualify for Medicare. Here in Michigan they ae buying out teachers with 30 years in many districts to save on Pensions and still providing medical coverage till medicare becomes availab;e at age 65. If you can not continue teaching in the kong run you should explore these options if you have not already done so.

 

Icemantoo

 

My district is ofering a 20/20 buy out. I will put my letter in to take advantage of it, but that means I will have to make it 2 more years. That should be a good goal for me. In the meantime, if I decide to take an early retirement because of my health, I am still able to purchase the district's health insurance until I reach the age of 65. The problem is that to purchase it myself is very costly, triple what I pay right now. I have been in contact with my financial advisor and I guess we will have to work things out. 

Then another snafuu will arise...... Illinois is broke! Hope there is still some hope in Sprigfield to correct that issue. 

GSRon said:

Insurance

OK. here is where I plead a bit of ignorance.. but if I go on disability, I think that I am still technically employed..?  And my medical insurance premium is still paid for me..?  Or am I all wrong on this one..??  Or does that only apply for short term disability..??  I know during and after surgery, I ended up making a few pennies more than if I was working...  Glad I started this topic...!

Ron

Ron.

There are so many variations of disability coverage and health insurance out their that you first have to get this information from the human resource deapartment of your employer.

Icemantoo

Ron, Go to your HR Department and ask those questions. That too is advice I should be looking into. They should be able to tell you what you are entitled to. Good luck!

Mikeyswife said:

Stage IV Kidney Cancer and Social Security

When I researched Social Security when Mike was first diagnosed, I found that stage IV Kidney Cancer was a condition with basically automatic acceptance.  They weren't kidding, he was approved within approximately a month.  No fight or appeals!  In fact, our local Social Security office contacted him within 24 hours of his online application and advised him that as soon as his doctor confirmed his diagnosis he would have automatic acceptance. His first check will be automatically deposited next week, seven months after his diagnosis.  Mike had a very physical job and we knew he would not be able to perform it.  He was not eligible under the Family Leave Act even though his company is a very large company, his branch did not have enough employees for him to be eligible.  Out of the kindness of the company's owner, they did not discontinue his health insurance although I am sure that they probably will when his short term disability ends this month.  I was quite surprised to find out that medicare wasn't an option for two years.  If I didn't have medical insurance to put him on, it would take 1/2 of his social security check to Cobra his health insurance, which he could do for 29 months since he was declared totally disabled.  Unfortunately after 18 months they would be able to charge him 150% of the company's premium, which would be 3/4 of his Social Security check.

http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/fmla-faqs.htm a link to commonly asked questions. Keep in mind you get 12 weeks of fmla in any 12 month period, not per calendar year. You can, however, use that 12 weeks in chunks...a day here, half day there. I've been on FMLA threek times in the past five years. It's not all cut and dry. Best to read up on it. Rae