Thanks for posting this info. My disability company thru work is Unum. STD was no problem but that ended in September. In August Unum LTD said they would review all my test results and doctors notes and have a decision by mid-September. This should have been a fairly smooth transition. They keep putting me on 30 day extensions with no pay. My health insurance ran out in October and because of no income, I can't commit to COBRA. I can't get my medicine or see the doctors I need to see like my Neurologist, Orthopaedic, Cardiologist, Rheumatologist, Vascular, GI, etc. These are doctors that I routinely see because of problems. I also can't have any of the follow-up tests. I told the Unum rep that I need a decision and got put on another 30 day extension. I take Celexa in the morning just to keep from crying all day and having anxiety attacks that kicks up my IBS. I have a husband in a nursing home and I need to provide his first healthcare insurance..then medicare takes over the balance. I'm told his kidneys are failing rapidly and he should be put on dialysis so that causes me angina. I spoke to my lawyer about this and he doesn't want to do anything until Unum makes a decision to accept or deny. The rep keeps telling me it is up to the Director who is an MD but nothing is happening. The rep has called me 3x in the past 2 weeks to see if I saw my Cardiologist yet...how many times do I have to tell her I can't commit to COBRA because they have put my money on hold? Unum offered to pay for an FCE so I can return to work. An FCE is a function capacity evaluation and they would use those results to make their decision. All was set up but 2 days before the scheduled date, Novacare called to ask some preliminary questions like..have you ever had a heart attack...yes..when...5 years ago...any surgical procedures done on your heart?...yes, stent put in...do you have any coronary disease?...yes, CAD...ok, we can't do the test because it is too much stress on your heart. When I told the rep this, she said they only want to know if I can sit behind a desk all day and aren't concerned about any other health problems...just ones from an accident I was in earlier this year. Novacare said I have to get a cardiac clearance and I explained I have no insurance because of Unum's extensions. It's an ongoing problems and no one will take responsibility.

I am beside myself about all this..having lots of trouble sleeping not only because of back pain but worrying about it all.

I told her this may be the death of me and then there won't be a question...they will be held accountable.

Happy-
Dont we live in the best country in the world? Don't get me going-I was a taxpayer for 25+ years and at the age of 40 became disabled and went months and months w/o treatment...of course it was ONLY pain and not a heart problem which you can actually die from w/o treatment.

I am with you in spirit...my dear one

You have so much on you right now-husband who is sick as well and no income! Where is the justice for us

I am going to start a movement for people like us-somehow get the word out about it, not sure how but will you join me in my crusade?

Of course I am sure you were denied Medicaid as well...of course-I was even after I lost my home!

Join me?

I will happily join in in your crusade but need to keep my stress under control. Now is the time we should have generalize healthcare like other countries. At least those people can go to a doctor even if they don't have the money. Specialists are out of the reach of many and the waiting lists are long so that needs to be worked into our healthcare.

I don't feel very good daily and can't see any doctor because of no income to commit to COBRA...something is very wrong with this picture.

good job, i am glad you are taking steps. I am also an injured worker, i was a truck driver and i have been fighting as hard as i can.
This isnt about me though. I wanted to let you know if you ever need to talk i am here. You are not alone in this fight of the wc system.