*** This is an informative blog. This is not meant to diagnose, treat, or do anything else other than to show how multiple sclerosis can affect your life insurance rating or acceptance. ***
According to the MayoClinic.com, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive nervous system disease that affect the nerve cells in the brain and spinal, his causes loss of muscle control. It has yet to be discovered why ALS occurs, although some cases are believed to be hereditary.
Limb weakness, muscle twitching, and slurred speak are often the beginning symptoms of ALS. From this point the muscles that are used to move, speak, eat, and breathe begin to become affected. As the disease progresses, those diagnosed might experience things like difficulty walking, tripping, inappropriate crying, laughing, or yawning, as well as behavioral changes among many other symptoms.
Although ALS spreads throughout the body, it usually starts in the feet, hands, or limbs. As the ALS gets worse your body’s nerve cells get destroyed, this is what causes the muscles to weaken. This can cause problems with breathing, speaking, eating, as well as thinking.
Although Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can be hard to diagnose because of how similar it looks in the beginning to other diseases, tests are done to rule out other diseases. Tests like electromyogram, nerve conduction studies, MRI’s, blood and urine tests, spinal taps, and muscle biopsies.
Although there have been many medical advances over the years, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is still uncurable. However, it is possible to slow down the symptoms, prevent complications, and help to make you live a more independent lifestyle.
Unfortunately, because of the life expectancy after being diagnosed with ALS you will most likely be denied for traditional life insurance coverage. I know this may sound disheartening, but you do have options. You will qualify for a guaranteed issue life insurance policy. They typically have a two-year waiting period before the full payout, but if you were to pass away before, most of the policies have a return of premium rider.
The good thing about group life insurance is for people that have pre-existing conditions, there usually is a guaranteed issue amount that the company will issue every employee. This can really help someone who can’t get coverage otherwise because of ALS or other conditions.
Although your options may be limited, we believe it’s best to speak with an educated agent that can explain your options to you. Please feel free to contact us at any time.
*** https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354022***