HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Long-term disability benefits

Joan M · 09-02-2009, 09:11 PM

Darlene and Pam,

I think I understand what you mean -- just being stage IV is enough to qualify me for SSD. However, I wouldn't be able to live on only that alone, which is where the LTD comes in.

I'm under the impression that if I go from short-term to long-term disability at work (LTD commences after three months of short-term), the insurance company will probably require me apply for SSD. After being on SSD for two years I would be eligible for Medicare. If the company lays me while I'm on LTD I would be able to get COBRA for 29 months if I'm on SSD.

I'm waiting to receive my LTD policy from the insurance company and will let you know what happens. This would also entail finding out how long LTD would last. The pro bono attorney said many LTD policies pay until age 65, but she'd have to look at the policy to find out exactly.

Joan

09-02-2009, 09:11 PM	#9
Joan M Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,851	Re: Long-term disability benefits Darlene and Pam, I think I understand what you mean -- just being stage IV is enough to qualify me for SSD. However, I wouldn't be able to live on only that alone, which is where the LTD comes in. I'm under the impression that if I go from short-term to long-term disability at work (LTD commences after three months of short-term), the insurance company will probably require me apply for SSD. After being on SSD for two years I would be eligible for Medicare. If the company lays me while I'm on LTD I would be able to get COBRA for 29 months if I'm on SSD. I'm waiting to receive my LTD policy from the insurance company and will let you know what happens. This would also entail finding out how long LTD would last. The pro bono attorney said many LTD policies pay until age 65, but she'd have to look at the policy to find out exactly. Joan __________________ Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2023 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!