EI/LTD after losing Cat 1

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AHerrera
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EI/LTD after losing Cat 1

Post by AHerrera »

Hey everyone,

I have recently been prescribed an SSRI. After a year with my counselor, it was suggested I try a low dose of SSRI. The problem being that I will lose my Cat 1 medical. It seems TC is becoming more lenient towards flying while on SSRIs if the right paperwork is in order from your doctor and counselor.
While I am not working, I am hoping to get EI and Long term disability from my benefits plan.

I have made inquiries about both but dealing with the benefit provider is a nightmare (not a great omen going forward) and getting through to EI is also painful.

The medication is a last resort and I have worked hard to avoid this. But it's also extremely frustrating to lose a job by trying to improve your mental health.

Has anyone else been through this and have any advice or suggestions? It is such a unique industry in terms of mental health and it would be great to hear from anyone who has been down this road. The financial burden could be extreme but the other option is also pretty terrible.

I'd appreciate any relevant advice regarding the questions.

Thanks all.
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Castorero
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Re: EI/LTD after losing Cat 1

Post by Castorero »

AHerrera,

I haven't personally lived through your experience, but have helped more than a few to navigate the benefit provider road blocks and TC requirements.
It used to be that the insurance companies would take the word and recommendation of your GP as to your disability and do the right thing.
This all started to change roughly 20 yeas ago with escalating requests for more info and clarifications, to supporting opinions by specialists , to outright rejection of a claim on initial application, regardless of any supporting documentation.
The way to get through this firewall is with the help of your GP and Specialist if necessary, and to be vocal and persistent in having your rights respected.
Ultimately, in a handful of cases, legal intervention was needed to prod the drones at the Benefit Providers Lair.

Keep in mind that who may be rejecting your claim is a clerk with Zero medical expertise, and they have been tasked to reject and ignore your Doctors' recommendations.
There used to be another MD at the other end, then a nurse, and all was well.
Some moron intent on denying you at all costs took their place. Just be aware of that.

This process is there to wear you down so that you abandon your claim, and it works for them.
In the end they have to recognize the medical opinions and honor their responsibility to you.

Be steadfast and play their game. If you are sick and have good medical support, you hold all the cards.

Finally, remember that YOU come first, your job, second or third.

Look after your mental health foremost, and the rest will work out.

There is more than one great post on Depression on this site with good helpful advise from fellow fliers, seek them out, because you are not alone...

Castorero
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Raincoast
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Re: EI/LTD after losing Cat 1

Post by Raincoast »

HI, AHerrera,

posting under a pseudonym here..

I've been taking an SSRI for the better part of the last two years; it took me a year to 'get my medical back' after initially starting the meds. Now I'm on a 2-crew medical - I can fly either PIC or SIC, but there has to be someone sitting beside me. i possibly could have sped the process up, but taking the year was pretty beneficial to my worldview.

check PM's for more..
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AHerrera
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Re: EI/LTD after losing Cat 1

Post by AHerrera »

Thank you for the positive response. I am lucky to have found someone on the inside now who is willing to help me out. I have a good GP and counselor. I am lucky.

If I go forward I will make sure to stay steadfast and get through the roadblocks. Hopefully, TC is slowly moving towards a better understanding of mental health issues. ANd hopefully by having a friendly ear inside the benefit provider I can navigate my way through.

CHeers


Castorero wrote: Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:39 am AHerrera,

I haven't personally lived through your experience, but have helped more than a few to navigate the benefit provider road blocks and TC requirements.
It used to be that the insurance companies would take the word and recommendation of your GP as to your disability and do the right thing.
This all started to change roughly 20 yeas ago with escalating requests for more info and clarifications, to supporting opinions by specialists , to outright rejection of a claim on initial application, regardless of any supporting documentation.
The way to get through this firewall is with the help of your GP and Specialist if necessary, and to be vocal and persistent in having your rights respected.
Ultimately, in a handful of cases, legal intervention was needed to prod the drones at the Benefit Providers Lair.

Keep in mind that who may be rejecting your claim is a clerk with Zero medical expertise, and they have been tasked to reject and ignore your Doctors' recommendations.
There used to be another MD at the other end, then a nurse, and all was well.
Some moron intent on denying you at all costs took their place. Just be aware of that.

This process is there to wear you down so that you abandon your claim, and it works for them.
In the end they have to recognize the medical opinions and honor their responsibility to you.

Be steadfast and play their game. If you are sick and have good medical support, you hold all the cards.

Finally, remember that YOU come first, your job, second or third.

Look after your mental health foremost, and the rest will work out.

There is more than one great post on Depression on this site with good helpful advise from fellow fliers, seek them out, because you are not alone...

Castorero
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Bede
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Re: EI/LTD after losing Cat 1

Post by Bede »

Check PM
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