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MS and an Engineers Career

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    MS and an Engineers Career

    Hello all,

    First sorry this is going to be a long post ...I have been diagnosed with CIS last year but my doctor recommended that I start treatment because of my high risk (high lesion load , positive LP) my diagnosis symptoms was optic neuritis and numb right foot , I later developed mild tinitus.

    A year has passed and I have been doing well , no relapses or progression and my ON resolved with full visual recovery and I am thankful for that ..

    My current dilemma is that I feel trapped in a job I don't like due to the comprehensive health insurance package and good package I am given , here in Dubai there is no free health care for expats you either pay out of pocket or you are fortunate enough to have insurance.

    What I hate about my job is that it is a too relaxed government job and I feel so underutilized and with no purpose. I used to work in the private sector previously and while the pay was less it was very rewarding in terms experiance and the fullfillment of my career ambitions..

    I am currently on Gilenya ,Novartis does provide a patient access scheme albeit with a rather high copay.. but the other drug companies (biogen etc) don't provide such facility here ..

    A part of me wants to get back into consulting at the private sector but I am afraid that private companies would not want to provide me with medical insurance due to the high cost of the medictions ,or that things would go downhill for me and I would be better off in my current less demanding job , so what shall I choose security or long term career development ?

    Last it is about disclosure , I don't think that I am obliged to disclose my diagnosis at the job interview but I would like to hear some opinions about that ..

    #2
    If you are a US-expat employee working in Dubai for a US company or US government agency, US employment laws usually apply in terms of employment protection, for example Americans with Disabilities Act/ADA for on the job accommodations, Family Medical Leave Act/FMLA, and medical privacy laws. I have no clue what the status of Dubai legal employment protections or rights you are entitled to.

    The career dilemma sounds frustrating, but if I was facing something similar, I'd have to consider the loss of income in addition the cost of medical care in Dubai for MS treatments, MRIs, MS specialist fees, DMTs, etc., with minimal or no insurance coverage. Plus the unpredictable nature of MS, and the uncertainty of how long your MS will remain stable and how long you will be able to remain employed. If you're young and otherwise healthy, and your MS remains stable for the remainder of your work life, it's a lot to consider.

    There is a World Wide MS forum here that you might want to post your thread for a better response.

    Best of luck and take care.

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      #3
      BTW, US companies are prohibited from asking health related questions during the hiring/interview process, or during your employment. You should not mention info about your health status, if you do, you've 'opened' that door for employer to ask about accommodations you may need. While employers are prohibited from making employment decisions based on health status, you could find yourself to not be a good 'fit' for the job.

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        #4
        No I am not a US expat and my home country will not provide me any benefits (war ravaged Syria). It is really frustrating feeling tied up and with no real fall back option if things go downhill , I'm thankful for being in good shape now ..I guess I must take it one day at a time.

        The only way I can get insurance here is via a corporate group plan as private insurance is totally unaffordable , good companies at the private sector do provide insurance but I'm not sure how disclosure works here.

        and btw I find it utterly unacceptable that BIG Pharma does not provide patient access schemes like the ones they provide in the US world-wide for high cost medications !

        I have an MRI scheduled soon ,I guess it will give me an idea about what I'm dealing with , hoping for a stable MRI that would give me more confidence to take on life ..

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          #5
          I google searched the term 'medical insurance in Dubai' and was strangely? surprised to find results similar to what I'd expect to find for a US search for medical insurance. Not sure how legitimate the sites are, could be targeting English speaking expats.

          Also came across a site stating that medical insurance coverage is compulsory in Dubai as of February 2014?

          Have you consulted with an insurance agent in Dubai?

          There is an active thread in General Discussion topics that you might find helpful, 'Planning for financial future'? with lots of the same issues discussed.

          Being Syrian would seem to raise the risk quite a bit? If you have a MS relapse, how long could a disabled, unemployed, uninsured expat with an expensive, chronic illness continue living in Dubai?

          Are you allowed to do consulting work in your current position?

          Sounds like you can't catch a break. Although I guess you could do much worse than a boring, cushy government job with benefits.

          Hope this information helps in some small way. Best wishes coming your way and keep us updated.

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            #6
            Same thoughts cross my mind , I can manage as long as my condition remains stable , but if things go bad I have no idea how I would survive.. I am grateful for my lifestyle now but as you know all is at risk ..

            Regrading the compulsory insurance scheme yes there is a lot of talk about this , but I doubt the basic coverage scheme that will be compulsory would cover high cost meds for a lifetime !

            But still I see hope in these induction therapies coming up ; HSCT Lemtrada and hopefully more and I am eagerly waiting for generics to hit the market !

            Thanks

            Comment


              #7
              The US version of compulsory medical insurance coverage, ACA/Obamacare, offers tiered coverage, rated bronze, silver, gold. Bronze and silver coverage offer limited coverage, not nearly enough to cover MS medical expenses.

              Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Consider consulting a reputable financial planner for advice.

              Take care

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