by ravi.desai » Fri Oct 12, 2012 02:53 am
Hello,When I began working for my current employer 10 years ago, I failed to sign up for long term disability coverage. I was 22 at the time and it was an oversight on my part. Since then in 2008, 2009, and 2010, I had 3 separate eye procedures to treat an eye condition called kerotekonus in my left eye. My condition has improved to the point where I now see my cornea specialist now only once a year. My eyes are in a very good condition. I may be changing jobs soon, so my question is, if I change jobs, what issues am I going to have if i try to enroll in a disability plan through my new employer during the initial enrollment period? Is this considered an pre-existing condition? Am I a likely candidate to be denied long term disability coverage in this scenario?
Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 05:14 am Post Subject:
Keratoconus is not a disabling disorder -- it is simply a malformation of the cornea and can be treated with contact lenses, or possibly a form of keratotomy surgery such as LASIK.
If you are working for an employer who offers group disability insurance, you will be accepted upon enrollment eligibility. Your eye condition may be a preexisting condition, but it is not one that would, in any way, qualify you as disabled.
Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 06:11 pm Post Subject: Will I be denied disability coverage
Yes, insurance companies may deny you to provide long term disability coverage because of the eye problem (Keratoconus). Consult an insurance agent in this regard.
Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 07:00 pm Post Subject:
Adam . . .
Are you a licensed insurance producer? You do not know what you are talking about. Keratoconus is not a disabling disorder.
Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2012 01:01 am Post Subject:
Max is wrong. Although it usually isn't a disabling order, it can be. Roughly 20% of the people with Keratoconus end up needing surgery and it often takes as long as a year to have good eyesight again. If someone has this, they most likely will have a vision exclusion on their policy. Additionally, if they are at the point that surgery is likely, they typically won't get approved for coverage until after they are recovered.
Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 12:43 am Post Subject:
a year to have good eyesight
This is not a disability. Read the ADA. Blindness is very different.
Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 01:28 am Post Subject:
Max,
The ADA is meaningless here. Disability is based upon what a contract says that it is. A surgeon doesn't have to be blind to be disabled. He just has to not be able to see well enough to do his job.
On the other hand, it may be a guaranteed issue plan with no underwriting. We don't know the details. But as to the basic question of whether it is possible for this condition to stop someone from getting disability insurance, the answer is absolutely "yes". And if underwriting is required, most likely, it will have an eye exclusion.
Add your comment