"Indeed, many with cancer lose their jobs. Zirkelbach cited this as a reason why individuals should consider long-term disability insurance, which would help pay bills when they are out of work because of illnesses. According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, about 30 percent of workers in private industry -- in all, about 40 million Americans -- have employer-sponsored long-term disability insurance.
Long-term disability through private insurance can help provide some level of income for people ineligible for government programs, which require disability for a significant time. Social Security disability, which is for people who expect to be out of work temporarily but for more than a year, does not kick in until a person has been out of work because of a medical disability for at least five months. While it is rare to have delays with cancer patients, a delay in hearing time can lead to a longer waiting period for benefits. The payments, based on a complex government formula, will never be equal to job income levels.
Medicare, which is paid to people who are permanently disabled and can never return to work and covers only medical expenses, will not kick in until two years have passed since someone has started collecting Social Security disability benefits, so cancer patients who apply will not receive benefits until 29 months after their diagnosis."
Source:By JOSEPH BROWNSTEIN
ABC News Medical Unit
Feb. 5, 2009
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/OnCall/Story?id=6811555&page=1
Cancer Care Costs Squeeze Millions of Americans
Jimmy B
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