Health insurance during a period of disability is an important, but confusing topic with many outcomes depending upon where the policy is sourced. If the policy was purchased as an individual than nothing changes. You must continue making premium payments as before.
If the policy was purchased through work the answer depends upon whether you are subject to FMLA protections. FMLA stipulates that your health benefits continue on the same basis as when working. You will need to continue making premium payments, but won't have the advantage of pre-tax payroll deductions.
If you are not subject to FMLA or once the twelve weeks are exhausted you could be eligible for COBRA extension. These premiums are often much higher because the employer contribution is lost. You could also purchase a policy through your state insurance exchange as a change in health plan qualifies as a life event.
Agent Owner, Gilmore Insurance Services, Marysville, Washington State
How does health insurance work while on disability? Since I just ended 12 months of disability that included many hospitalizations and treatments, I can tell you it works exactly the same as not being disabled. Disability insurance protects your income, health insurance protects your health. You can have both going on at once.
Depending on your employment situation, how your health insurance is paid for may make a difference. Maybe your employer continues to pick it up, maybe it's covered under workman's comp, maybe you pay your own premiums.. the main thing is health insurance doesn't go away if you're collecting disability insurance.
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If the policy was purchased through work the answer depends upon whether you are subject to FMLA protections. FMLA stipulates that your health benefits continue on the same basis as when working. You will need to continue making premium payments, but won't have the advantage of pre-tax payroll deductions.
If you are not subject to FMLA or once the twelve weeks are exhausted you could be eligible for COBRA extension. These premiums are often much higher because the employer contribution is lost. You could also purchase a policy through your state insurance exchange as a change in health plan qualifies as a life event.
Depending on your employment situation, how your health insurance is paid for may make a difference. Maybe your employer continues to pick it up, maybe it's covered under workman's comp, maybe you pay your own premiums.. the main thing is health insurance doesn't go away if you're collecting disability insurance.