Doctor Disability: Get Checked for Hepatitis C
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 2 million baby boomers in the U.S. are infected with hepatitis C, a life-threatening liver disease that can cause multiple disabling medical conditions or illnesses. This post is provided by Doctor Disability insurance.
Hepatitis C is linked to liver cancer, cirrhosis, and a mental disorder called hepatic encephalopathy, which is a severe decrease in brain function caused by the liver’s inability to remove toxic substances from the blood.
The disease is responsible for more than 15,000 deaths each year, as well as widespread disability among victims.
While the statistics are grim, chronic liver disease that prevents you from working can be covered under a doctors disability insurance policy if you get your policy early enough. Keep in mind that after symptoms appear, you most likely will be ineligible for coverage.
When to File for Doctor Disability
Your physicians disability insurer has its own process for determining your eligibility for benefits in the case of disabling chronic liver disease, but Social Security insurance service provider Allsup lists a five-step process that is used by the Social Security Administration to determine qualifications for benefits that may be helpful.
1. The applicant is below an income disqualification threshold.
2. The applicant’s ability to perform basic activities for most jobs is significantly limited by the disease.
3. The applicant meets the criteria under the category covering digestive system or chronic liver disease.
4. The applicant cannot do work they previously performed because of the disease.
5. The applicant will be evaluated based on age, education, work experience, physical and mental conditions to see if there’s other work available.
If your ability to function is so limited by hepatitis C (due to fatigue or brain degeneration or other disease-related problems) that you can’t work, you may qualify for disability benefits. While filing with your insurer doesn’t guarantee approval, it’s important to get the clock started on the waiting period in case you are approved for benefits.
Visit our website for answers to your doctors disability insurance questions, or contact us for more information or for a disability insurance policy quote.