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The following is an on-line version of text from The Brain Injury Work Book: A Guide to Living and Working Productively, 25 Ideas. Text and formatting have been modified for viewing in various browsers.

11. Most Health Care Plans Don’t View Unemployment As a Health Problem.

Whether privately or publicly funded, health care coverage providers rarely decline to pay for the costs of saving lives. Health care coverage providers often pay some of the costs for therapies that help you live independently. The cost of occupational and physical therapy, which help people relearn to walk, use the bathroom, cook, and dress, are often covered during inpatient hospitalization.

The limitations of health care coverage become painfully clear when people ask for help paying for vocational rehabilitation services. Many people need help learning skills and information, finding a job, and keeping a job. Few health care coverage plans provide support for work related services.

      What can I do to get help covering the costs of work-related rehabilitation?

      Carefully review your health care policy

        Find out which services are and are not covered.

      Clarify your questions by talking to someone who can explain the policy

        1) a policy company representative,

        2) a human resources representative where you work, or

        3) an attorney.

      Don’t be afraid to ask for coverage and push the limits of your policy.

        Try to get coverage for additional services that can help you work. Rehabilitation therapists can help improve your driving, intellectual, memory, communication, and academic skills.

      Be persistent.

        If your first request for coverage is turned down, ask how to appeal the decision and appeal. Send letters from health care providers that discuss the benefits of the rehabilitation program.

      Get ideas from other people

        Talk to others who have been successful in getting coverage for vocational rehabilitation services.

      Pick a policy that covers the broad range of services you’ll need

        Whenever you have a chance to pick another health care coverage provider, carefully consider service options.

 

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Last updated  -  10/02/2008