My life's a mess. Help me come up with a game plan moving forward
July 1, 2013 10:11 AM Subscribe
mental health snowflake details inside.
In December 2012 I was hospitalized for a manic episode and diagnosed with Bipolar disorder type 1. I have not gone back to work since then and going back to my company isn't an option at this point. However, after negotiations with my attorney my company has filed a long term disability claim on my behalf with UNUM.
When I spoke to the UNUM case manager this morning, she said that there is a strong possibility that my claim will be denied. Back in January 2012 I was hospitalized for the first time and I was diagnosed with Paranoid Psychosis NOS and Social Phobia. I've been taking medication and seeing a therapist since then. If it's determined that I had a pre-existing condition prior to my hospitalization in December, then I will not be eligible to receive long term disability benefits. It's possible that since this a different diagnosis, then maybe the condition is not considered pre-existing. The case manager has agreed to give me an informal opinion regarding the pre-existing condition determination within the next couple of days.
What should I be doing going forward?
I've been counting on getting the long term disability benefit as I would be medically insured and receive 60% of my salary for a period of up to two years. If it's determined that my condition is pre-existing, is this something that I can fight and win?
Should I be looking for another job? If I take another job, then I will be separated from my company and no longer be eligible for the long term disability benefit. However, I would start receiving money again and be medically insured.
Can I have my attorney renegotiate with my company to receive unemployment? I've given permission to the company to advertise for my position. I am located in NJ.
Should I be looking into COBRA?
Thanks in advance for everyone's responses. I'm sorry if the answers are all obvious to everyone... I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed right now.
In December 2012 I was hospitalized for a manic episode and diagnosed with Bipolar disorder type 1. I have not gone back to work since then and going back to my company isn't an option at this point. However, after negotiations with my attorney my company has filed a long term disability claim on my behalf with UNUM.
When I spoke to the UNUM case manager this morning, she said that there is a strong possibility that my claim will be denied. Back in January 2012 I was hospitalized for the first time and I was diagnosed with Paranoid Psychosis NOS and Social Phobia. I've been taking medication and seeing a therapist since then. If it's determined that I had a pre-existing condition prior to my hospitalization in December, then I will not be eligible to receive long term disability benefits. It's possible that since this a different diagnosis, then maybe the condition is not considered pre-existing. The case manager has agreed to give me an informal opinion regarding the pre-existing condition determination within the next couple of days.
What should I be doing going forward?
I've been counting on getting the long term disability benefit as I would be medically insured and receive 60% of my salary for a period of up to two years. If it's determined that my condition is pre-existing, is this something that I can fight and win?
Should I be looking for another job? If I take another job, then I will be separated from my company and no longer be eligible for the long term disability benefit. However, I would start receiving money again and be medically insured.
Can I have my attorney renegotiate with my company to receive unemployment? I've given permission to the company to advertise for my position. I am located in NJ.
Should I be looking into COBRA?
Thanks in advance for everyone's responses. I'm sorry if the answers are all obvious to everyone... I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed right now.
These seem like questions for your lawyer, not laypeople on the internet. That long-term disability claim could potentially mean a lot of money and a huge difference in your standard of living over your lifetime and you don't want to do anything to fuck that up.
posted by Jacqueline at 10:29 AM on July 1, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by Jacqueline at 10:29 AM on July 1, 2013 [3 favorites]
From a roommate's personal experience: disability awards can often take up to three years to be awarded, although the awards are retroactive to the original date of filing - so don't wait!
Expect right now that it will take time, and you will encounter setbacks. Many disability designees were turned down for their original application. Don't let the sound of these obstacles keep you from pursuing this.
I wish it were easier, especially for those mental health sufferers who often have the least emotional reserves to endure the system, but it isn't. Still, start the process. You have nothing to lose, and much to gain.
posted by IAmBroom at 11:22 AM on July 1, 2013
Expect right now that it will take time, and you will encounter setbacks. Many disability designees were turned down for their original application. Don't let the sound of these obstacles keep you from pursuing this.
I wish it were easier, especially for those mental health sufferers who often have the least emotional reserves to endure the system, but it isn't. Still, start the process. You have nothing to lose, and much to gain.
posted by IAmBroom at 11:22 AM on July 1, 2013
A lawyer skilled in disability/ insurance is a good idea. Also, your state has an insurance commission(find them on the state attorney general's website, maybe along with consumer assistance), and they may be able to help you verify the legality of the contract.
posted by theora55 at 11:24 AM on July 1, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by theora55 at 11:24 AM on July 1, 2013 [1 favorite]
You absolutely need to talk with a lawyer about these specific questions. Knowing absolutely nothing about you or your circumstances or your case (which is what everyone who answers in this thread knows---NOTHING), I will tell you that mania can devolve into paranoid psychosis. It's also possible to have Psychosis NOS and Bipolar Disorder. This is an impossible question to answer over the internet, at least as it pertains to you diagnoses.
posted by OmieWise at 12:34 PM on July 1, 2013
posted by OmieWise at 12:34 PM on July 1, 2013
You have MeMail.
posted by Coffeemate at 1:26 PM on July 1, 2013
posted by Coffeemate at 1:26 PM on July 1, 2013
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Then I'd apply for Federal Social Security Disability.
If you have an attorney, have him/her negotiate/appeal with UNUM, based upon your doctor's recommendations.
You don't have to take the first no for an answer.
Hang in there, this stuff baffles folks all the time, you can do this.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 10:29 AM on July 1, 2013 [2 favorites]