Jane Dotson
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease that affects multiple body systems, causing painful inflammation and joint deformities. It is the most common autoimmune disorder, affecting about 1% of US patients, with women being two to three times more likely to be affected than men. The condition can be managed through medication, rehabilitation, and in some cases, surgery. As it is a progressive disease, many rheumatoid arthritis patients may find themselves unable to work and require financial support. In such cases, disability benefits and healthcare are available, provided that the patient meets certain criteria. Additionally, life insurance options are available for people with rheumatoid arthritis, although the types of insurance and premiums depend on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall risk profile.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insurable | Yes, but it depends on the type of insurance and the severity of the condition |
| Type of Insurance | Life insurance, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) |
| Factors Affecting Insurability | Date of diagnosis, type and amount of medication, age, gender, lifestyle factors |
| Medication | Methotrexate is considered a more serious medication that some companies won't cover |
| Age | Peak onset is from 50 to 59 years old |
| Gender | Affects women two to three times more frequently than men |
| Lifestyle Factors | Smoking, obesity, exposure to air pollution |
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What You'll Learn
Life insurance options
- Term Life Insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. People with RA may be eligible for term life insurance, but it's important to note that the premiums can increase significantly after the initial locked-in period. The cost of term life insurance is typically based on factors such as age, health, and lifestyle choices.
- Permanent Life Insurance: This type of insurance provides lifelong coverage and includes various options such as whole life, guaranteed universal life, and indexed universal life. Permanent life insurance may be an option for people with RA, depending on the severity of their condition and other factors.
- Simplified Issue Life Insurance: These are life insurance plans that offer coverage without requiring a medical exam. Several simplified issue life insurance plans accept people with RA, providing an option for those who may not qualify for traditional life insurance.
- Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: This type of insurance does not require any health questions or underwriting. It guarantees coverage regardless of health status or pre-existing conditions. Guaranteed issue life insurance can be an option for individuals with severe RA who may have been declined for other types of life insurance.
When exploring life insurance options, it is essential to consider the date of diagnosis, as a longer diagnosis may indicate higher mortality risk and potentially higher premiums. Additionally, the type and amount of medication can also impact underwriting and the cost of life insurance. It is advisable to work with an agent or broker who can help find the best options from highly-rated carriers in the industry.
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Disability benefits
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) includes rheumatoid arthritis in its Blue Book under Section 14.09, "Inflammatory Arthritis". To qualify for SSD benefits, you must meet certain criteria and provide extensive medical evidence demonstrating how rheumatoid arthritis affects your ability to work.
The SSA evaluates rheumatoid arthritis based on several key factors, including persistent joint pain and inflammation, joint deformities, and organ involvement. To qualify, applicants must provide medical evidence showing that their rheumatoid arthritis has significantly limited their physical abilities or affected other areas of their body. For example, if RA affects at least one joint in your legs and you have a documented medical need for a walker, two canes, crutches, or a wheelchair, you may be eligible for benefits. Additionally, if RA affects at least one joint in your legs and you are unable to use one of your arms to complete work-related activities, you may also qualify.
The SSA also considers the duration of your disability, requiring that it has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months. They will evaluate your medical condition, age, education, past work experience, and any skills you may have that could be used to do other work. If you are over 50, there are special rules that may apply, and you may still be found disabled even if there is some other full-time work you could perform.
The process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be challenging, and legal representation can significantly increase your chances of approval. An experienced LTD attorney can assist you in completing the detailed forms and questionnaires, collecting and submitting relevant medical evidence, and preparing for any hearings or appeals that may be necessary. Most LTD attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you don't have to pay unless they win your case.
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Legal representation
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and are considering applying for disability benefits, it is highly recommended that you seek legal representation. This is because disability insurance companies do not always make it easy for policyholders who are disabled because of rheumatoid arthritis to get the benefits they deserve. The odds of getting your benefits on appeal are greater when you are represented by an experienced ERISA/private ID policy disability attorney.
An attorney can assist you at every stage of the process, from the initial application to the reconsideration stage, and the ALJ hearing stage. They can help you complete detailed forms and questionnaires, collect and submit relevant medical evidence, and prepare questionnaires for your doctors. At the ALJ hearing, an attorney will prepare you for questioning, prepare an argument on your behalf, and question any doctors or vocational experts selected by the ALJ to testify at the hearing.
If your claim is denied, an attorney can help you appeal the decision. They can present legal arguments to show your case was wrongfully denied, and at the Appeals Council and federal court level, they can continue to argue your case.
Some law firms offer free initial consultations to discuss your disability claim and whether you may be eligible for benefits. Fees charged by disability attorneys are usually 25% of the disability backpay you are owed, with no out-of-pocket costs.
- DarrasLaw: America's top-rated long-term disability lawyers and award-winning group ERISA attorneys.
- The Law Office of Nancy L. Cavey: Nancy Cavey has 35 years of experience handling disability cases and has successfully represented many rheumatoid arthritis policyholders.
- Gillette Law Group: Specialises in Social Security disability benefits.
- Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law: Has helped many clients with RA successfully apply for and win disability benefits.
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Severity of condition
The severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms varies from person to person. RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation around the body, commonly resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, and decreased range of motion in the joints. It most frequently affects the small joints in the fingers, hands, wrists, knees, ankles, feet, and toes, and it usually occurs in the same joints on both sides of the body.
RA typically progresses through four stages. In the early stages, there is inflammation in the tissue surrounding the joints, causing pain and stiffness. As the disease advances to stage 2, the inflammation starts to damage the cartilage, further reducing the range of motion. Stage 3 RA is characterised by severe inflammation that begins to damage the bones, resulting in increased pain, stiffness, and even more limited mobility. In stage 4, while the inflammation subsides, the joints continue to deteriorate, leading to severe pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
The progression of RA can be slowed and symptoms can be managed through early diagnosis and treatment. Medications are the primary treatment option, with doctors selecting them based on the type of antibodies present and the severity of inflammation. Initial treatments often involve medicines like prednisone or steroids, with the goal of transitioning to steroid-sparing medications or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Biological medications represent a newer form of treatment for RA. In severe cases of joint damage, orthopaedic surgery can be performed to reduce pain and restore movement, followed by rehabilitation to optimise recovery.
RA can significantly impact an individual's ability to work and perform daily activities. In the United States, those with RA may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if they meet certain criteria, including having a disability lasting or expected to last at least 12 months and having worked in a job where they paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient duration. Additionally, long-term disability insurance (LTD) can provide income protection if an individual becomes unable to work due to RA, although the specific definition of "disabled" may vary among policies.
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Treatment options
Medication
Doctors often treat initial attacks of inflammation with medications like prednisone or steroids. However, the goal is to transition patients to steroid-sparing medications or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These drugs can slow or sometimes prevent joint destruction. Other medicines may be combined with DMARDs to relieve symptoms. The choice of medication depends on the type of antibodies the patient has and the severity of their inflammation.
Surgery
If medicine, exercise, and lifestyle changes do not provide sufficient relief, surgery may be an option. Total joint replacement of the hip and knee has proven effective.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve joint function through exercise, hot and cold therapy, and massage.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy teaches patients how to maintain movement in their joints while carrying out daily activities.
Assistive Devices
Using household aids or mobility aids can help patients protect their joints and maintain independence.
Behavioral Modification Techniques
Biofeedback, relaxation therapy, breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and counselling are some techniques that can help reduce pain and stress. Counselling can also be beneficial for managing the emotional impact of living with a chronic condition, including depression, which is common among people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Clinical Trials
Participating in clinical trials provides access to the latest advanced treatments, including combination therapies and TNF inhibitors, which show promise for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can still obtain life insurance if you have rheumatoid arthritis. The types of life insurance available depend on the severity of your condition, date of diagnosis, and the type and amount of medication you are taking.
The severity of your rheumatoid arthritis plays a part in the underwriting, which affects your cost. Underwriting departments prefer to see a recent diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis as a longer diagnosis indicates longer treatment time, which increases your mortality risk and results in a higher premium.
Many people with rheumatoid arthritis are eligible for term life insurance and/or permanent life insurance, which includes whole life, guaranteed universal life, and indexed universal life, among others. Simplified issue life insurance plans exist as well, and some of these accept people with rheumatoid arthritis. If you have severe rheumatoid arthritis, guaranteed issue life insurance is also an option as it does not require answering any health questions.
