While we are focusing on COVID-19 and getting vaccinated, there is an epidemic on the rise, post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), known to us as Long COVID. For many patients, being clapped-out of the hospital by the medical staff is not the endpoint of COVID-19.

There are thousands of hospitalized patients as well as those recovering at home with mild cases who are experiencing long term debilitating conditions. It’s been documented those who were intubated on average lose about 10 years of cognitive decline and 8.5 IQ points. In a global study with patients post COVID 6 and 9 months, almost 50% could not return to work full time and 22% are not working at all. The majority said they are having difficulty thinking clearly or “brain fog” which is adversely affecting their Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (managing finances, medication, and shopping). Several other symptoms have persisted and are adversely affecting their Activities of Daily Living (bathing, walking, and eating). The second most noted symptom is chronic fatigue. Adults are becoming exhausted after walking up a flight of stairs. Younger adults and teens are showing exercise intolerance and poor sports performance. Chronic cardiac dysfunction is showing up in both severe and mild cases in older and young patients. Schools are requiring cardiac evaluations prior to allowing students to return to any athletics. Respiratory issues and scarred lung tissue make any further inflammation potentially life threatening. And then there is the hair loss, because COVID isn’t cruel enough.

Can your family take care of you for 9 months or longer and financially support everyone during your convalescence including the additional expenses needed for your recovery? If you are totally disabled, you may be able to receive Social Security Disability but do not count on it. What if your residual COVID symptoms do not completely disable you? Will you be able to work at your former occupation or capacity? What if you cannot work full time or need to take regular breaks? What if your SSDI isn’t enough? What will you and your family do?

We need to address life with Long COVID (PASC) or any other long term disability. Prior to COVID, there was a 30% chance someone over 35 would suffer a disability lasting longer than 90 days and half of them can expect to be disabled for at least 5 years. We are more likely to be disabled than die an early death so it’s imperative we plan for it. There are several things you can do now to make getting through any long term illness a lot easier.

• Review your current health care coverage. Make sure it’s adequate and will continue. Traditional insurance and Medicare do not cover long term care.
• Speak with your family members about your views on general medical care and life sustaining intervention. Pick a surrogate who will act in concert with your personal values.
• Complete a COVID-19 Disability Hospital Care Form. This is a nonbinding document to inform your medical team the best way to deliver and communicate your medical needs.
• Make sure your surrogate knows your choice of hospital and have them contact Palliative Care for your stay. Palliative care is a team of specialists who offer a wide range of care to prevent and relief suffering. It includes spiritual, psychological, physical, and social care.
• Contact an attorney to draft an Advance Care Directive with a Health Care Proxy. An Advance Directive states your wishes regarding your medical care. A Health Care Proxy is the person named as your surrogate if you are incapacitated. They are the legal documents to direct your medical team.
• Review your finances and the potential adverse effect your incapacity may have on your family’s income and expenses. Having a long term or permanent disability will most likely include additional expenses to assist in your care. Will your home need to be made accessible? Will you require long term services such as therapy or a home health care aide?
• Purchase Life Insurance with a Long Term Care or Chronic Illness rider. Both riders allow the insured access to the policy’s death benefit, up to a set amount, if the insured requires long term care services and supports.
• Purchase a Disability Income insurance policy while you are healthy and working. This is protection for your loss or reduction of earned income due to a long term illness or disability. It will reduce your need to deplete your savings and other assets preventing a bankruptcy or worse.

The good news is there are more vaccines on the horizon and soon all those who need and want to be vaccinated will get it. The bad news is there still are debilitating illnesses. Health care insurance policies (including Medicare and Medicaid) cover only the medical portion of care and some do better than others. It is imperative you find what suits your personal needs, values, and budget.

Gail Eidman
Certified Financial Planner™
Chartered Life Underwriter®
Chartered Special Needs Consultant®
Licensed Professional Insurance Agent in New York and New Jersey
3-6-21