The COVID-19 pandemic has swept uncertainty, frustration and anger across our Country. It has impacted people in all aspects of their lives. There are people that aren’t able to continue working right now and those that are working – in essential services or remotely – are faced with challenges like they’ve never seen.
For a lot of people, the fear of contracting and transmitting the virus and battle with self-isolation/social distancing is enough to lead to severe anxiety, depression, or other types of mental illnesses. Others have similar feelings, but they stem from the fear of returning to work and going into public places or the ability to cope after losing a loved as a result of the virus.
We want to reassure you that you’re not alone. Many clients have reached out with their concerns and we’re here to help.
Mental Health During COVID-19
Balancing home-life and work-life while also trying to manage the additional stress, fear and anxiety brought on by COVID-19 is a lot to handle. A million things are running through your head.
Will I catch Coronavirus? What if it’s serious?
I’m worried about my family members who work in health care.
Will this impact my job? Will I have a job once this is over?
I can’t afford to lose another client. I’m already struggling.
I hope my partner doesn’t lose their job.
Will there be sanitizer or toilet paper at the store this time?
I miss seeing people and being around my family.
If worries like these are keeping you from performing and focusing on work or functioning at work, there are things you can do.
Disability Insurance
Applying for STD or LTD benefits is recommended and encouraged if you think you’re unable to work.
Long-term disability (LTD) coverage is a benefit that is paid out to you if you become disabled from working. Utilizing these benefits is exactly what disability insurance is there for and what you’ve been paying into; don’t hesitate to apply if you need to.
Policies will almost always require that the individual be unable to continue working because of a diagnosed medical condition. The medical condition can be emotional, cognitive, or physical.
No one should suffer from psychological injuries caused by a pandemic. Insurance companies will need to step up and take care of those who have been impacted by COVID-19.
Speak with your Doctor
Your mental health is extremely important in this difficult time. Getting help for anxiety, depression or another mental health concern is not something to be ashamed of. Especially if it’s impacting you, your family, your work or ability to work, or your daily life.
Seeking proper medical treatment for issues that prevent you from working is crucial. Not only will it help your well being, but it also supports your disability claim to the insurer.
Denied Disability Claims
Unfortunately, denied claims are common.
The doctor that is treating you agrees that you shouldn’t be working (or returning to work), but once the insurance company reviews the file, they disagree and say you can work. All without having another doctor assess you or review your file.
Doesn’t make sense, does it? Well, you’re not alone in thinking that. The doctor that is treating you is in the best position to decide whether you can work or not.
Lack of “appropriate treatment” or “insufficient medical evidence” are common reasons for a claim denial. Insurers have even come back to say you don’t “meet the test for total disability”.
If you’re told by your treating doctor that you aren’t in a position to work or return to work, then you likely aren’t and there is a good chance you’re entitled to receive LTD benefits even if your claim has been denied.
Have Questions?
If you or someone you know has been denied or cut-off from disability benefits because the appropriate treatment cannot be continued for reasons related to COVID-19, or other causes, it’s important you reach out to us at Dye and Russell immediately.
