Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are different
Osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear kind that affects knees, hips and hands, is one of the most common conditions in people over 50. Many final expense applications do not ask about it at all. When they do, it is usually not a reason on its own to move you away from a level benefit plan.
Rheumatoid arthritis is different, and so are other autoimmune conditions such as lupus. Some insurers ask about them by name, and some ask about the medications used for them, such as biologic injections or steroids. Depending on the insurer and your history, rheumatoid arthritis may fit a level benefit plan or a graded plan.
Daily activities and getting around
The questions that often matter most for people with arthritis are not about arthritis. Many insurers ask whether you need help from another person with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet or getting in and out of bed. Some ask whether you use a wheelchair, or live in a nursing home or assisted living. A yes to one of these often rules out that insurer's plans with health questions.
Using a cane or a walker is not treated the same way by every insurer. Tell the agent what you use and how you manage at home, and the agent can check how each insurer words its mobility questions.
- The type of arthritis your doctor diagnosed
- Medications, including pain relievers, steroids or biologic injections
- Joint replacements or other surgeries, with dates
- Whether you need another person's help with any daily activity
- Any wheelchair or scooter use for getting around
Talk to a licensed agent: (949) 807-3995
Plan types for arthritis
If arthritis is your main health concern and you manage daily life on your own, a level benefit plan is often possible. If you qualify, the full benefit is usually paid from the first day. A graded or modified benefit plan may fit if autoimmune arthritis comes with other conditions, or if an insurer's questions about medications or recent hospital stays apply to you. With a graded plan, the benefit is reduced or limited if death from natural causes happens in the first two or three years.
If you need daily help or the health questions rule out other plans, guaranteed issue asks no health questions. The benefit is limited if death from natural causes happens in the first two years, and premiums are usually higher for a smaller face amount.
Making the call simple
Write down your arthritis type, your medication names and doses, and any joint surgeries before you call. A licensed Eterna agent will ask about those, plus how you get around and whether you need help day to day. The agent compares plans from several insurers and explains which plan types fit. If you like one, you can apply by phone right then. The quote is free and there is no obligation.
