Pre-existing vs. family history?!
Question: Here's a story....
Husband had depression and OCD for years and received treatment. Then in Feb he got diagnosed Bipolar and goes on medical leave. Applied for STD and was denied based on pre-existing condition. They say he was treated in the previous Nov. for Bipolar, however the only thing mentioned in the doctor's notes from Nov stated that there was a "family history of bipolar". Diagnosis and treatment was still listed at that time as OCD and depression.
Could they really have used just his family history to say that he was being treated for bipolar? If so, that doesn't seem legal.
Answers: Here's a story....
Husband had depression and OCD for years and received treatment. Then in Feb he got diagnosed Bipolar and goes on medical leave. Applied for STD and was denied based on pre-existing condition. They say he was treated in the previous Nov. for Bipolar, however the only thing mentioned in the doctor's notes from Nov stated that there was a "family history of bipolar". Diagnosis and treatment was still listed at that time as OCD and depression.
Could they really have used just his family history to say that he was being treated for bipolar? If so, that doesn't seem legal.
A diagnosis is what has been technically defined and labelled. OCD and Depression are different to Bipolar. A family history of a disease or illness does not mean that the person has or has ever had this diagnosis in the past.
Sometimes OCD shares traits of the manic phase of Bipolar (the hightened awareness and excess energy to partake in an obsessive ritual. Depression can also mimic the depressive stage of bipolar as well, thus it is important to determine what "label" for want of a better word, his treating team have diagnosed him with.
However, this seems strange that he would not be covered, and emphasises that people in society especially those who decide about the ability to qualify for STD are uneducated about mental conditions.
Just because he has been diagnosed with one mental illness does't mean he has suffered every mental condition under the sun (i.e because you have had a broken arm doesn't mean you have had a broken leg!).
With good treatment hopefuly your husband will be feeling much better soon. Hang in there!
Hope this helps
It sounds like he's being taken advantage of/ treated unfairly.
I would ask this under a law category. There are attorneys and such who are more likely to answer questions if you post them under that category, and who may know how to answer your question from a legal standpoint.
All the best to you and your husband- biploar disorder can be so devestating before it is treated. Luckily, treatment is so very effective. Here's hoping for full recovery and functionality.
When it comes to saving money they will do anything.