I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Sara on January 08, 2006, 11:48:52 AM

Title: At what point do you normally need to go on disability?
Post by: Sara on January 08, 2006, 11:48:52 AM

Is it immediately after starting dialysis?

Title: Re: At what point do you normally need to go on disability?
Post by: geoffcamp on January 08, 2006, 12:02:28 PM

depends on how you feel, I worked for about a year and a half before I just did not have the energy to work 40+ hours the go to dialysis Mon, Wed, Fri for 3 1/2 hours from 5:30pm to about 10pm.  It gets harder the longer you are on dialysis.  I just went on diabilty in May and frankly it is depressing.  I am broke and owe thousands in medical bills.  That is my experience.
Geoff

Title: Re: At what point do you normally need to go on disability?
Post by: Rerun on January 08, 2006, 02:10:34 PM

I'm just starting the paper work.  The questions don't give any leaway. "Are You Working?"  Well, I'm working when I can, but not full-time.  So, I put "no." 

I've heard that with ESRD disability is automatic.  Is that true?

The truth is I think I could keep working, but not full-time and the position I have needs someone full-time, reliable and dependable.  None of which I am anymore.

Title: Re: At what point do you normally need to go on disability?
Post by: geoffcamp on January 08, 2006, 03:38:59 PM

It is automatic with ESRD rerun.

Title: Re: At what point do you normally need to go on disability?
Post by: geoffcamp on January 08, 2006, 03:41:46 PM

It is automatic with ESRD rerun.  I think the only thing that may hold it it is you have alot of assets.  savings, investments... etc.  they allow a car and a home and about $2000 in savings if you have more they may look into it more

Title: Re: At what point do you normally need to go on disability?
Post by: Sara on January 08, 2006, 05:16:23 PM

So is it best to keep working until you really, really can't, or stop for while to conserve your energy and focus on other things (things other than the dialysis - hobbies, family, etc.)?

Does anyone know if you get to keep your employer's insurance if you go on disability?

Title: Re: At what point do you normally need to go on disability?
Post by: geoffcamp on January 08, 2006, 05:31:00 PM

sara-  I have kept my insurance by paying cabra payments.  It is expensive but worth it for extra coverage (the 20% medicare does not cover) and perscription drugs.  I do not qualify for Medicade which is the state version of insurance the covers those expenses.
Geoff

Title: Re: At what point do you normally need to go on disability?
Post by: Rerun on January 09, 2006, 08:19:07 PM

Medicare is "secondary" for 30 months and only pays 20%.  After 30 months, then Medicare becomes "primary" paying 80%.  Also, unless you take the machine home, there is a 3 month waiting period.  I'm not sure with CAPD if you have a 3 month waiting period or not.  So, try and keep your private insurance!  ;)