Navigating Insurance Benefits: Balancing Health and Employment

For over a decade I worked while undergoing treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia. I experienced a delicate balance between work commitments and health challenges while fully employed. Throughout that time, the support provided by my employer’s group insurance benefit plan proved to be invaluable.

A valuable safety net available through my employer

The array of provisions was extensive, from comprehensive medical coverage, to dental, and vision benefits. I had access to unemployment insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and contributed to two pension plans. I felt very privileged.

With each paycheck, a considerable portion of my pay was allocated to cover my portion of insurance benefits. I contributed to government taxes and union dues as well. My employer paid their portion as well, including Worker's Compensation in case any of us were injured on the job. 

An expensive safety net

It was a heavy financial hit each month for me personally. There was a little less than half of my paycheck coming to my household each month after deductions. This safety net came at a cost.

I was grateful for the benefits I accrued though. When I needed glasses, I got them. When I needed a dentist, I was able to make an appointment. When I needed physiotherapy, a private hospital stay, or shoe inserts for my feet, I could access it all. Getting time off for appointments was a struggle, but having my healthcare needs met felt like a bonus.

The benefits and taxes provided a crucial lifeline. While employed I had access to all the things that helped me stay healthy. With my needs met I was able to be a reliable and consistent employee. I had full access to essential services, healthcare, and financial protection for unforeseen circumstances. It was a difficult thing to consider giving up.

My need to retire meant losing benefits

After ten years of active treatment my health needs changed. I could no longer work the hours needed for a full benefits package. After 30 years in the same field I was retired from duty, so to speak.

Now, with my employment status changed, I face the challenges of navigating these vital benefits independently. I have to decide what I need most versus what I can afford. I said goodbye to dental benefits, vision coverage, and physio. Being on a pension is very different from being employed.

I prioritized the benefits based on what they cost. I cherry picked what I thought I would use the most. I pay out of pocket for the rest.

My resources changed, but my needs didn't

My needs didn’t change though. I still need to take care of my vision, my teeth and mouth, my muscles and joints. I have a reduced ability to access services for these needs now that I am not fully employed.

I continue payments for Extended Health benefits. They help me pay for prescribed medications that can change and be expensive. They play a considerable role in managing my health, too. I kept some life insurance. I think it’s best, just in case. I said good-bye to dental care, physio and ortho, vision care and insurance coverage for all the rest. 

Nervous about my ability to afford needed care

Everything that helped me be a productive, reliable employee also helps me be a responsible, stable member of the community. But now that I pay out of pocket, my access to healthcare has changed. I’m more skeptical of my ability to pay for these services and care. I realize that emergency care is more expensive on the system overall, but with limited access to care I am nervous about my ability to keep an emergency situation at bay.

I’ll do my best even with limited access to resources. I hope my best is good enough. It's a tightrope walk and it's often hard to balance, just ask my local urgent care facility. 

I wonder how my fellow blood-cancer patients have navigated these needs and the cost we have to pay. Should we all have access to the things that make us more productive regardless of whether we are employed?

Let me know what you think in the comments below. Thanks so much for reading.