Disability Insurance Articles
How A Disability Insurance Plan Covers Extensive Rehabilitation Procedures
2011-04-22
After receiving temporary partial disability benefits or temporary total disability benefits, it isn't always possible to fully recover or return to work. In this situation, your disability insurance plan will generally continue to pay for medical expenses, lost wages and rehabilitation procedures until you have reached the maximum benefit limit or time threshold. To qualify for rehabilitation procedures, you must prove you are disabled and provide a suitable rehabilitation plan that is mutually agreed upon by your doctor, your employers, the courts and all state agencies.
Temporary total disability or temporary partial disability benefits are typically terminated after weekly wages exceed previous earning averages or the employee returns to work. In certain situations, your doctor may declare that your injury has reached maximum medical improvement. If your injury is defined as a permanent impairment according to guidelines established by the American Medical Association, you might be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits, or you might have to return to work.
To assist employees find suitable employment, your disability insurance plan will cover rehabilitation procedures and vocational training. Vocational rehabilitation plans attempt to reinstate the insured employee in their former job position. If this isn't possible due to physical limitations, your disability insurance plan may arrange to have you placed in a new position. The third option is finding a suitable position with a new third-party employer. To qualify for compensation, you must prove you are unable to find a permanent "light-duty" position or reasonable offer of employment within your area. If you can prove you are unable to find employment, you may qualify for formal vocational training through a court-approved program.
With own-occupation coverage, you may have a better chance of receiving compensation while other workers must settle for any reasonable offer of employment. If you are unable to work at 80% of your former capacity or have not been able to find a suitable position, your disability insurance plan may offer you a lump-sum buyout instead of weekly benefits. In this situation, it's important to make a well-informed decision because taking a lump-sum payment officially waives your right to future compensation and appeals.
If your disability insurance plan has authorized rehabilitation procedures, it's extremely important to follow through and actively participate in improving your condition. Insurance companies and courts have strict protocols that must be followed to receive compensation. If your rehabilitation procedures are approved, you must inform your employer, insurer or designated legal officials of any changes in your condition, address or intention to leave the rehabilitation program. Because rehabilitation procedures and vocational training are only covered as a last resort, the process of applying for and securing benefits can be long and difficult.