Will Long Term Disability Include Health Insurance?

This is an interesting question that needs to be taken apart in order to give the best answer. First, there needs to be an understanding of what is meant by long term disability; it is implied that the question really is will long term disability benefits include health insurance?

There are different kinds of long term disability benefits, some provided by the government under the auspices of the Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov) and some which can be provided by having a valid long term disability insurance policy in place at the time of the disability.  Further, you need to realize there are two different types of long term disability insurance - policies that you can purchase as an individual directly or through an agent from a private disability insurance company or group disability insurance which is typically provided by an employer as part of an entire benefits package.

Regardless of the type, long term disability benefits are intended to replace a percentage of your current and future income that has been lost due to the disability. Health insurance is a completely separate issue, often provided through a different insurer entirely. Your private or group long term disability benefits won't "include" health insurance per se, but particularly if your benefits come through an employer you should contact your benefits department to understand the full scope of all your available benefits, and how long your health insurance will continue.

Assuming you are under retirement age at the time of the disability and you have qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) then 24 months after SSDI starts you can get Medicare benefits. You can learn more at the Social Security's website or you should talk with a lawyer who is experienced in long term disability and social security benefits. They are a wealth of information and can help you successfully navigate the sometimes confusing procedures from having a disabling need to getting benefits.

Keep in mind there are different types of Medicare health insurance: hospital insurance, medical insurance for doctor's services,  and prescription drug coverage. Some of this insurance is free (like the hospital insurance) and some it requires monthly premiums. If you have a limited income and need assistance with Medicare premiums, you can contact your individual state for programs that are available to help you or contact an attorney.