Forgive me for the length of this rant. Please tell me I'm not the only one who finds this insane and ridiculous! I have been off work full time, on LTD and CPP Disability for the past 5 years. I have RRMS and have not had a steroid-worthy flare since Jan/09.
I was given the OK by my employer and neurologist to attempt to go back to work, starting at 2 x 4 hour shifts per week. I began this paperwork process last September.
I just found out yesterday, after involving my insurance company and CPP, that my so called trial return to work won't be happening due to beurocracy. It was explained to me this way... in the world of LTD disability, there is no grey area; it's either black or white. Either I'm disabled or not.
If I choose to try to return to work, it is with the insurance/CPP's understanding that I will be officially returning to full time work, beginning with a few hours and a back to work plan to increase hours until full time. If I go ahead with this and can't increase my hours (which will most likely be the case), I'm considered a part-time employee and part-time employees aren't eligible for benefits and I'll be cut off!!!
What kind of rubbish is this? I'm not in denial about my MS; I don't play it up and I don't downplay the seriousness of it either. I count my blessings that I have LTD benefits that provide an income even though it's 66 2/3% of my salary, and even more importantly, my meds are 100% covered (not to mention those of my big family, and our dental, glasses, etc.).
Only a kook would take this kind of a chance when dealing with such an unpredictible disease. Needless to say, I'm totally bummed and not going back to work. It's no wonder so many MS patients suffer from depression. "The system" has backed me into a corner and has now forced me to stay home.
I don't want to sound petty and ungrateful but this just sucks and I don't get it (the B.S. not the M.S.).
Thanks for letting me rant.
I was given the OK by my employer and neurologist to attempt to go back to work, starting at 2 x 4 hour shifts per week. I began this paperwork process last September.
I just found out yesterday, after involving my insurance company and CPP, that my so called trial return to work won't be happening due to beurocracy. It was explained to me this way... in the world of LTD disability, there is no grey area; it's either black or white. Either I'm disabled or not.
If I choose to try to return to work, it is with the insurance/CPP's understanding that I will be officially returning to full time work, beginning with a few hours and a back to work plan to increase hours until full time. If I go ahead with this and can't increase my hours (which will most likely be the case), I'm considered a part-time employee and part-time employees aren't eligible for benefits and I'll be cut off!!!
What kind of rubbish is this? I'm not in denial about my MS; I don't play it up and I don't downplay the seriousness of it either. I count my blessings that I have LTD benefits that provide an income even though it's 66 2/3% of my salary, and even more importantly, my meds are 100% covered (not to mention those of my big family, and our dental, glasses, etc.).
Only a kook would take this kind of a chance when dealing with such an unpredictible disease. Needless to say, I'm totally bummed and not going back to work. It's no wonder so many MS patients suffer from depression. "The system" has backed me into a corner and has now forced me to stay home.
I don't want to sound petty and ungrateful but this just sucks and I don't get it (the B.S. not the M.S.).
Thanks for letting me rant.
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