Nancy,
Thank you so much for the information. I have read a few of your posts and it seems that you have done your homework on Social Security. If i had an office job there would be no problems.
I guess everything happens for some reason. The insurance that I had at my work was going up every year at the open enrollment time. Our insurance rep said that due to the uncertainties of Obamacare, out of pocket and deductibles were going up. Boy did they. Not sure if it's Obamacare or just an excuse to raise the rates. In December of 2013, two months before my diagnosis with multiple myeloma, I dropped my insurance at work and went on to my wife's insurance. Even though her insurance is one of the lower plans with no cost to us, it is going to cover a stem cell harvest and transplant. Also the pharmacy part is great. $20 for Revlimid. Thank God! So yes, I will be covered under my wife's insurance.
I didn't know that my wife's insurance would be primary and Medicare in the future would be secondary. My wife wants to continue working full time for at least two or three years. Then go minimal hours with insurance benefits. She's a trooper. She has had lung cancer and a brain tumor. Surgery for both. And a gamma knife treatment after brain surgery. Seven years out, she is doing fine.
Our family practitioner has hinted that now might be a good time for early retirement. I have an appointment with him in two weeks and also my monthly with the oncologist. I will go over the possibility of disability. I still need to feel like I am contributing at home, so I am not sure if I could have a minimal income with disability - say, under $1000.00 per month.
I will have my oncologist go over my bone survey in more detail. i do appreciate your input and that you are sharing so much information with all of us on the Beacon!
George
Forums
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Castaway - Name: George
- Who do you know with myeloma?: just myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 1/24/14
- Age at diagnosis: 62
Re: Can't meet work requirements - options, suggestions?
George, basically what you would be looking at would be what Social Security would pay if you were 66. It won't be quite as much as it normally would be because you will be short 4 years of pay in, but close.
Unless it has changed, you will be offered Medicare Part B in 2 years, but you will probably want to opt out, but report the reason as private insurance. This will lock in your rate for the future.
I don't know if there are limitations on what you might earn doing something part time that is within your abilities. Someone else might have some experience there.
Unless it has changed, you will be offered Medicare Part B in 2 years, but you will probably want to opt out, but report the reason as private insurance. This will lock in your rate for the future.
I don't know if there are limitations on what you might earn doing something part time that is within your abilities. Someone else might have some experience there.
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Wayne K - Name: Wayne
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself, my sister who passed in '95
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 03/09
- Age at diagnosis: 70
Re: Can't meet work requirements - options, suggestions?
Hi Castaway,
I have one other thought for you. I believe the Americans with Disabilities Act covers people like you.
You mention that your company has a list of requirements that you need to be able to meet in order to return to work. ADA says that employers have to make reasonable accommodations to allow people with disabilities to work. So, if you aren't lifting 100 pounds on a regular basis, they need to make an exception, and/or provide you with assistance when you do need to lift 100 pounds.
If you want to return to work, you may want to look at the list of requirements and see how many really are "required" for you job, and how many you can accomplish with some assistance.
Good luck,
Lyn
I have one other thought for you. I believe the Americans with Disabilities Act covers people like you.
You mention that your company has a list of requirements that you need to be able to meet in order to return to work. ADA says that employers have to make reasonable accommodations to allow people with disabilities to work. So, if you aren't lifting 100 pounds on a regular basis, they need to make an exception, and/or provide you with assistance when you do need to lift 100 pounds.
If you want to return to work, you may want to look at the list of requirements and see how many really are "required" for you job, and how many you can accomplish with some assistance.
Good luck,
Lyn
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Christa's Mom - Name: Christa's Mom
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: September, 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 53
Re: Can't meet work requirements - options, suggestions?
Hi there. I was diagnosed at the age of 53, and faced a similar decision about work. I was on short term disability, and then after my stem cell transplant, retired and received long term disability.
It is not an easy process to get through. The key in my opinion is having a doctor(s) who are willing to do all the paperwork, and use the right words, to get long term disability approved. It is extra work for them, so the better the relationship with the doctor, the more likely they will cooperate and do all the things they need to do.
I found, unfortunately, that using the words "incurable" along with "average life expectancy" is crucial. It's not good for you emotionally, but this is about money, and you have to do what you have to do.
I am sitting now 7 years later, still with a decent quality of life, with no plans to go anywhere! That paperwork now seems like a distant memory. Just be persistent, patient, pleasant and upbeat. The stress that I am not under these last 7 years has definitely had a positive impact on me.
Good luck to you!
It is not an easy process to get through. The key in my opinion is having a doctor(s) who are willing to do all the paperwork, and use the right words, to get long term disability approved. It is extra work for them, so the better the relationship with the doctor, the more likely they will cooperate and do all the things they need to do.
I found, unfortunately, that using the words "incurable" along with "average life expectancy" is crucial. It's not good for you emotionally, but this is about money, and you have to do what you have to do.
I am sitting now 7 years later, still with a decent quality of life, with no plans to go anywhere! That paperwork now seems like a distant memory. Just be persistent, patient, pleasant and upbeat. The stress that I am not under these last 7 years has definitely had a positive impact on me.
Good luck to you!
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micallie
Re: Can't meet work requirements - options, suggestions?
Wayne, Lyn and Micallie,
Thank you for all the info, it's much appreciated. I did look on the SS website and checked my personal retirement information. It shows that if I was to be on SS disability now compared to normal retirement at 66, I would lose $13.00. I have earned enough credits to qualify. This report was done in July. Of course it shows earnings through 2013. This year I only worked for about one month.
I will look into the possibility of ADA. One thing I didn't mention was that the company that I work for just implemented the job requirements about two months ago (5 months after my diagnosis). One other employee was injured at home also at the same time with a dislocated shoulder. He was also given this requirement list.
After talking with my doctor at the transplant hospital, she had suggested that I do a stem cell harvest/storage as soon as I can, finish all dental work, then get the Zometa started. They were talking about a transplant a year or so out. The problem is that I will be out of state disability way before then.
Do you need to have the transplant in order to receive disability? I have also read that some individuals get a disability attorney. I will talk to my oncologist and family practitioner first. I know that my oncologist has helped others with filing the correct information.
Bless You!
Castaway
Thank you for all the info, it's much appreciated. I did look on the SS website and checked my personal retirement information. It shows that if I was to be on SS disability now compared to normal retirement at 66, I would lose $13.00. I have earned enough credits to qualify. This report was done in July. Of course it shows earnings through 2013. This year I only worked for about one month.
I will look into the possibility of ADA. One thing I didn't mention was that the company that I work for just implemented the job requirements about two months ago (5 months after my diagnosis). One other employee was injured at home also at the same time with a dislocated shoulder. He was also given this requirement list.
After talking with my doctor at the transplant hospital, she had suggested that I do a stem cell harvest/storage as soon as I can, finish all dental work, then get the Zometa started. They were talking about a transplant a year or so out. The problem is that I will be out of state disability way before then.
Do you need to have the transplant in order to receive disability? I have also read that some individuals get a disability attorney. I will talk to my oncologist and family practitioner first. I know that my oncologist has helped others with filing the correct information.
Bless You!
Castaway
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Castaway - Name: George
- Who do you know with myeloma?: just myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 1/24/14
- Age at diagnosis: 62
Re: Can't meet work requirements - options, suggestions?
Here is your FREE $200 --Pass go card: (Monopoly)
Multiple myeloma is listed as a "permanent Disability condition" in the SSDI -sec regs--Paragraph 13 of "Qualifying Conditions" ?
Orthopedic listings are also there. You qualify for SSDI--disability. On Multiple levels.
If rejected, file an Appeal ASAP. 70-80 % of cases are rejected at the initial level.
Follow up--You win.
Once you are determined to be disabled, it ( The Award) retro's back to date of your disability --minus 6 months. You will get a back award. File today!
You don't need a Lawyer and 25% of your "Back Award" to the Lawyer--just get the medical records together, have your MD verify Diagnosis, disability, treatment, and Prognosis--and you are mostly home.
You will also be entitled to automatic Medicaid coverage, until you are eligible for Medicare (64.5 years) ( or if you elect to be covered under wife's Policy)
The Disability determination will also make you eligible for earlier Soc-Sec.(Age) I don't believe you would have to wait until 66.6 yrs. Ask Soc-Sec Admin.
ADA is more difficult. "Reasonable Accommodation" requires a Lawyer to litigate and allows the employer to "Squirm". A straight discrimination suit is more likely fruitful--especially if you and the other guy/employee, pair up. ( Can any employee fit that requirement ?)
Your States Attorney General / Dept of Labor will be very interested. It (employers plan) is designed to go around statutory Work Comp requirements...and thus, likely illegal.
Given the chemicals / fuels / etc that you have worked around for years--your employers ass is really "hanging out". Gee, do you think your Docs would support you in a direct suit against your employer for causing your multiple myeloma ?? Unsafe work place ?? EPA ? Ayye-yii-yi !!
Follow up as suggested. You snooze--you lose !
Don't even try to work--you are going to need all your energy/time to fight your myeloma.
Good Luck.
Multiple myeloma is listed as a "permanent Disability condition" in the SSDI -sec regs--Paragraph 13 of "Qualifying Conditions" ?
Orthopedic listings are also there. You qualify for SSDI--disability. On Multiple levels.
If rejected, file an Appeal ASAP. 70-80 % of cases are rejected at the initial level.
Follow up--You win.
Once you are determined to be disabled, it ( The Award) retro's back to date of your disability --minus 6 months. You will get a back award. File today!
You don't need a Lawyer and 25% of your "Back Award" to the Lawyer--just get the medical records together, have your MD verify Diagnosis, disability, treatment, and Prognosis--and you are mostly home.
You will also be entitled to automatic Medicaid coverage, until you are eligible for Medicare (64.5 years) ( or if you elect to be covered under wife's Policy)
The Disability determination will also make you eligible for earlier Soc-Sec.(Age) I don't believe you would have to wait until 66.6 yrs. Ask Soc-Sec Admin.
ADA is more difficult. "Reasonable Accommodation" requires a Lawyer to litigate and allows the employer to "Squirm". A straight discrimination suit is more likely fruitful--especially if you and the other guy/employee, pair up. ( Can any employee fit that requirement ?)
Your States Attorney General / Dept of Labor will be very interested. It (employers plan) is designed to go around statutory Work Comp requirements...and thus, likely illegal.
Given the chemicals / fuels / etc that you have worked around for years--your employers ass is really "hanging out". Gee, do you think your Docs would support you in a direct suit against your employer for causing your multiple myeloma ?? Unsafe work place ?? EPA ? Ayye-yii-yi !!
Follow up as suggested. You snooze--you lose !
Don't even try to work--you are going to need all your energy/time to fight your myeloma.
Good Luck.
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Rneb
Re: Can't meet work requirements - options, suggestions?
I am 37 and facing this same issue!!
I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I have a slow healing compression fracture. It's scary to think that, after 14 years of doing what I love, I may have to try and find another line of work.
Good luck, and hope everything works out for you.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I have a slow healing compression fracture. It's scary to think that, after 14 years of doing what I love, I may have to try and find another line of work.
Good luck, and hope everything works out for you.
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Anonymous
Re: Can't meet work requirements - options, suggestions?
St. Peter won't be standing at the gates tallying up the hours a cancer patient spent at work.
Give it away man! There are lots if options and, with multiple myeloma, you just never know.
I'll be at home when it hits the fan, not sitting in some sales rep meeting listening to KPI's and a junior telling us how she does it better.
Give it away man! There are lots if options and, with multiple myeloma, you just never know.
I'll be at home when it hits the fan, not sitting in some sales rep meeting listening to KPI's and a junior telling us how she does it better.
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Alex
Re: Can't meet work requirements - options, suggestions?
Anonymous, Alex and Rneb,
Thanks for the input, much appreciated. Sorry to hear of your situation, Anonymous. Not sure if you are looking at disability. I am hoping that if I do go that route, I can do something else to supplement my income. If I can, what does disability allow for work as far as lifting, pushing etc.? I thought of trying to get part time work at a golf course nearby, driving the ball picking machine, or trying to sell on eBay.
The last three days of my 21 day Revlimid cycle have me extremely drained. Tomorrow is dexamethasone @ 40 mg, so that will be like a rocket launch of energy. This type of treatment plan is working great towards the multiple myeloma, but would not be the best situation going back to work feeling tired / sleepy working on heavy equipment. Even when doing this work without multiple myeloma, you have to be very cautious with all the lifting and disassembly procedures.
So I see my family practitioner tomorrow who first diagnosed my multiple myeloma. He stays in contact with my oncologist. Both receive all lab results, X-rays, and the like. They are within walking distance of each other so that makes it convenient. I will have a lot of information thanks to all on the Beacon.
When I was first diagnosed, I purchased a zip-up file organizer. I have saved everything. All doctors, state disability forms, even dentist and eye doctor information. I take this with me at all doctor appointments. They seem to always have some questions that I can answer with my file. Looks like I will need to start a new folder just for SS disability.
Thank you all, good luck!
Thanks for the input, much appreciated. Sorry to hear of your situation, Anonymous. Not sure if you are looking at disability. I am hoping that if I do go that route, I can do something else to supplement my income. If I can, what does disability allow for work as far as lifting, pushing etc.? I thought of trying to get part time work at a golf course nearby, driving the ball picking machine, or trying to sell on eBay.
The last three days of my 21 day Revlimid cycle have me extremely drained. Tomorrow is dexamethasone @ 40 mg, so that will be like a rocket launch of energy. This type of treatment plan is working great towards the multiple myeloma, but would not be the best situation going back to work feeling tired / sleepy working on heavy equipment. Even when doing this work without multiple myeloma, you have to be very cautious with all the lifting and disassembly procedures.
So I see my family practitioner tomorrow who first diagnosed my multiple myeloma. He stays in contact with my oncologist. Both receive all lab results, X-rays, and the like. They are within walking distance of each other so that makes it convenient. I will have a lot of information thanks to all on the Beacon.
When I was first diagnosed, I purchased a zip-up file organizer. I have saved everything. All doctors, state disability forms, even dentist and eye doctor information. I take this with me at all doctor appointments. They seem to always have some questions that I can answer with my file. Looks like I will need to start a new folder just for SS disability.
Thank you all, good luck!
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Castaway - Name: George
- Who do you know with myeloma?: just myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 1/24/14
- Age at diagnosis: 62
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