Chances3 ~
I was retired before my AN was discovered but my wife was injured in a car accident (rear-ended) in 1992 and was forced to leave her job on short-term disability in 1996 and then into long-term disability when the short-term coverage ended (the usual 26 weeks). In her case, she had to present a doctor's letter to HR explaining her injuries (spinal) and why she could not work at her job (claims supervisor at a large national insurance company). She was required to be examined by another doctor the company chose (and paid for) as well as a psychiatrist, because she also suffered from depression as a result of her injuries. They both approved her claim for long-term disability (her injuries subsequently required several serious spinal operations). The company also demanded that she apply for Social Security Disability because, in their words: "it's an entitlement". She applied, was turned down and engaged an attorney specializing in SSD to represent her. It took 18 months but my wife was finally approved for SSI in 1998. The company (she is still, technically, an employee) reduces her disability payment by the amount she receives from Social Security but she ends up with 70% of her former pay, as her disability coverage with the company guaranteed. She is required to annually produce a letter from her doctor attesting to her inability to work. She can be required to undergo an examination by a company-approved doctor (paid for by the company) at their option. However, due to the many surgeries she's endured relating to her injuries, they have not exercised this option for quite a few years. At this late date, it's obvious that she is effectively disabled, even though she is ambulatory and leads a relatively active life. She takes many medications and has to limit her activity somewhat but she manages to have a fairly normal existence, even with her physical deficits. I help her all I can. My wife did not lose her health insurance when she went on company disability although she does have Medicare as her primary medical insurance with Blue Cross (company policy) as her secondary coverage. I was covered by that policy (I had not signed up for Medicare at that point) and my entire AN expenses (well over $100,000. ) were paid by Blue Cross. It's still my 'secondary' medical insurance policy, after Medicare.
I trust this explanation isn't too complicated and that it might be of some help to you.
Jim
