Life Insurance & Cancer: Understanding Coverage During Treatment

Question
Hello.  I noticed you worked for an insurance company, maybe you can help me.  My mother has recurrent stomach cancer and is a school teacher.  She is continuing to work throughout her treatments, but will take days off of course.  One of the main reasons she is working through this is to maintain her life insurance.  I think she needs to quit her job so she doesn't overwork herself.  Can she continue to pay for her life insurance if she is no longer employed?  It seems cruel to me that a person who is terminally ill is working for life insurance.  Also, do you know if she can get disability?  She is happily married, but is a contributor to the household income and doesn't want to leave my father will all the bills if she were to pass away (God help us if that should happen, can't even imagine).  Any suggestiosn?  Thanks.  Cindy

Answer
Cindy,

My thoughts and prayers are with your through this most difficult and trying time.

Your mom must first check with her HR  (human Resources) Dept to see if she can continue her life insurance if she leaves work- some policies have that ability to convert.

Secondly if he company has a disability policy in effect you must obtain the criteria for which she is eligible, as some policies have an "inability to work any occupation and some own occupation.  I would also check into social security disability.  They usually will deny initially- unless you have all the info up front.

Sometimes, if she is able it is better for the mind and spirit to let her work- even if it is parttime.

Let me know if there is anything else I can assist with.

Diane