The Hidden Value of Social Security Disability Insurance: Why It’s Important During Benefits Enrollment
Three years ago, my life was exactly the way it was supposed to be. My marriage and family life were happy, my 8-year-old son was thriving, and my career was beginning to take off in the direction I had worked so hard for. I felt like it could only continue to get better from there. But in a matter of 6 short weeks, everything changed.
I woke up one morning and I had noticed a lump on the right side of my chest. I made an appointment with my physician immediately and to my surprise, my mammogram came back normal and my physician expressed no concern. In fact, I was denied any follow-up care by that particular practice because the testing came back normal and they felt it unnecessary. In my gut, I knew something was wrong and from that moment forward, I became my own advocate in the healthcare system. I was fortunate to have great healthcare benefits, and I found a specialist in Boston who would listen and acknowledge my concerns.
After numerous additional tests, we had the results. I had a baseball-sized tumor on my chest wall, and the doctors were 90 percent sure it was cancerous. I would need to undergo extensive surgery to remove the tumor and most likely I would have a long recovery period, which would include aggressive cancer treatment. My first thought after hearing the news was: “My son is only 8 years old; my job isn’t finished yet”. I became overwhelmed with thoughts of: “Who will get him on and off the school bus? Who will make sure he is taken care of and that his life stays as normal as possible? What will happen to my family if I am unable to work and provide an income?” I was scared and uncertain of what the future would hold, not just for me but for my family.
Knowing I had group long-term disability coverage from my employer was a huge relief. I knew I would have a good portion of my income replaced while I was out of work. Through my job as an executive at Guardian, I was also offered supplemental individual coverage and I opted to purchase that supplemental benefit to cover an additional portion of my income. I never thought I would become disabled, but I knew how important it was to be protected – and I am so glad I was. By having both forms of coverage, I knew my family would be kept financially whole while I was unable to work.
By filing for my benefits as soon as possible, I was able to alleviate the financial and emotional burden, and focus on my family and recovery. The service I received from my carrier was impeccable and it made a difference to me because I felt understood, and I did not have to continue repeating my story. My employer – who is also my insurance carrier – was able to personalize my experience and showed empathy and knowledge from the very beginning.
When the biopsy from the first surgery came back that the tumor was benign, I felt a sigh of relief. Not only did it mean that I was cancer free, but it also meant my recovery would not be as extensive as originally thought; and I could eventually go back to work. But I was anxious that my value to the organization may have dwindled or that I would be treated differently by my colleagues. I was out for about three-and-a-half months before returning, and my experience after my return became a life lesson in and of itself.
After picking up where I had left off, I began to consider what might have happened had I not been financially prepared for my situation. By experiencing a disability firsthand, I realized how important it is to be protected and prepared for life’s “what if” moments. For anyone who is currently experiencing a disability or would like to prepare for those “what ifs,” I leave you with some tips that helped me overcome this life-changing event:
• Be your own advocate. If something seems off and your medical providers dismiss you, find a provider who will take your concerns seriously.
• Make sure your income is protected with good insurance coverage. You never know what could happen. Prepare and know what your resources are.
• Choose a carrier with exceptional service. Dealing with disability is stressful and it is important to have a smooth experience.
• Make sure you file as soon as possible. The cost of waiting can be too high and by being proactive, you can focus on your recovery instead of your finances.
This experience changed my life profoundly and I now find myself looking at life with a different viewpoint. I had the strength to recover and there are very few things that intimidate me. The risks of disability are real, but the preparation and the coverage can make all the difference.
Material discussed is meant for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. Individual disability income products underwritten and issued by Berkshire Life Insurance Company of America (BLICOA), Pittsfield, MA or provided by Guardian. BLICOA is a wholly owned stock subsidiary of and administrator for the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. Product provisions and availability may vary by state.
GUARDIAN® and the Guardian Logo® are registered trademarks of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.
©Copyright 2021 The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, N.Y.
2021-117936 (Exp. 03/23)
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