Long term disability insurance
Hi, I'm a 39 year old woman with mitral valve prolapse and mild to moderate regurgitation that was diagnosed just a couple of months ago. My BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels have always been excellent. There was recently an open enrollment period at work, and I decided to apply for long term disability insurance. I work for a state agency, and there was a questionnaire to qualify since I'm a late applicant, and it asked it I had heart disease. I wasn't sure but marked yes, then the next screen said I wasn't eligible.
Just wondering if anyone else has had this experience. I applied because I am, legitimately, feeling like crap most of the time and can't imagine continuing my stressful full time job until retirement. So I get why they wouldn't want to cover me.
But at the same time, does this really count as heart disease? My ef is good. I'm frustrated that there was no opportunity to give additional information about my "heart disease," because, as I understand it, many people have valve issues that never cause symptoms and never progress.
And I'm frustrated because, if I had applied just a couple months ago, I would have qualified. Or if I hadn't gone to the doctor. The lesson learned, which is too late for me, is, if you're feeling bad and suspect chronic illness, to apply for long term disability insurance first, and THEN go to doctors and seek diagnoses. Damn.
This could have potentially paid 60% of my income in the event of disability, so I just really wish I'd applied earlier.
Anyway, now I'm wondering - has anyone else with this condition qualified for long term disability coverage? Has anyone had to use it and successfully been able to? I would love to hear your experiences. I'm single and truly scared that I won't be able to continue supporting myself.