Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
I currently have a term life insurance plan that will end in a few years. I wanted to get an extension, but I realized I had to mention my Lyme Disease when they asked about chronic illnesses.
Now, I've been told none of the insurers would deal with me until I tested negative for Lyme and was off all antibiotics.
Has anyone else encountered this? Anyone found a way around it?
Thanks!
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- A very common occurrence, sadly.
I hope others will have some specific steps for you. I'm interested as well.
Mine was cancelled just before a two year mark. They did refund my past payments, though, it still really leaves me at a loss.
I suggest contacting your state lyme support group leader first. Then maybe LymeDisease.org or the LDA - or other top notch lyme advocacy groups.
Then, perhaps your state insurance commissioner.
Odd, how the medical board in my state denies lyme even exists, refuses to allow doctors in my state treat lyme but
life insurance was cancelled because of it. But, because I was still under some kind of 2-year mark I never knew existed, I was told that I should never have been accepted in the first place.
They offered not explanation at all when I pressed them for the cause of the cancellation. But lyme was the only thing on my form that could have been it. No other major flag was there at all.
At the least, they should have to reimburse you for all payments over the full time you paid to them if they cancel your policy - because the understanding is you were "paying into" a service for the future.
But it may just be they are not going to extend it and you are still covered for a couple years? -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Mine is term but it is just automatically extended, as far as I know.
I thought it was a 15 yr policy but that was 25 yrs ago ... so ...??
Andie... It should be pretty easy to get a negative test??? Go get one from Quest? (or get an ELISA??)
Do you think you'll be off abx soon??
I'm really sorry you are in this fix... not a good one to be in.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
I sure did and I had it for years. supposed to be whole life for 50 grand. it was all I had.
doctor put in lyme, depression, psychosomatic, and other choice words. sure nuff they told me I failed the physical.
they said I could appeal but we all know what that meant. so all I have left is my thrift savings from the government. no life insurance at all. no funeral money. nothing.
I went back and told that doctor off. he said he stood by his decision. I was furious.
but still once I lost it, nobody else would even look at me. first question usually is have you ever been cancelled. and that's all she wrote.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
my dearest Andie,,,
So sorry your in this dilemma/
Hope this resolves itself with NO need for any abx. And a negative test.
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
Randi, dang, I'm so sorry to hear about your problems with this. Your information about the cancellation and subsequent denial is really important. That tells me I should absolutely wait until I'm sure I'm able to pass a test and clear of all my meds.
Lymetoo, I wish I knew when the antibiotics were going to end. I did get off for a year--onto teasel root--but during that year, my bacterial count skyrocketed and immune plummeted. I can't seem to boost my immune system.
Don, so wonderful to see your post and just to hear your voice.
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
well at the time I wasnt even on meds!!! it was the psychiatric part that killed me...
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
they blood test you?
do you have to tell you have lyme?
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
hmmmmmmm...you should go get tested in a well known Lyme Doctors office at Mass General....you will probably have no problem getting that negative result.
-------------------- Sick since 2000 Bulls eye 2005 Dx Babesia, Lyme 2014 Posts: 247 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Aug 2014
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MADDOG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18
posted
HA!!!!!!! It is very easy to test negative!!!!
To FUNNY!!!!! The test are bogus !!!!!!
MADDOG
Posts: 3996 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2000
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aklnwlf
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5960
posted
Check and see if your term life policy has a guaranteed renewable clause. It should renew automatically. As far as I know they can only cancel for non-payment and if pertinent information was left out upon issue.
I purchased whole life and a renewable term policy after my lyme treatment. My term life, being only $50,000 didn't ask in-depth health questions. My smaller $25,000 whole life policy rated me due to high blood pressure but not the lyme because I was no longer undergoing treatment.
Check the fine print on your policy and see if you can find any info for cancellation.
Also it wouldn't hurt to have the insurance company send you a letter stating why they are either cancelling or not renewing your existing policy.
Having been in the insurance field myself, that is usually done not long after your original issue date. I would definitely check into why they're cancelling your policy now.
-------------------- Do not take this as medical advice. This comment is based on opinion and personal experience only.
Alaska Lone Wolf Posts: 6138 | From Columbus, GA | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
I just got denied my application to enroll in long term disability insurance. Stated reason was anxiety and Lyme disease.
Huh? Ithe same Lyme disease my insurance says I don't qualify for treatment of?
-------------------- Sick since 2000 Bulls eye 2005 Dx Babesia, Lyme 2014 Posts: 247 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Aug 2014
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Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
I agree, Maia! Health insurance won't treat it, but life insurers think it's so serious they won't cover it. Go figure!
I still have a few years left on my existing policy, and I'm hoping I can segue off abx before its expiration.
I agree there's no problem testing negative; it's those abx that are the problem. Otherwise, medically, I think I'm in the clear.
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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