These Common Conditions Lead to Disability More Often than Accidents

Disability insurance is an important part of your employees’ health coverage, especially since more than one in four of today’s 20-year-olds can expect to be out of work for at least a year because of a disabling condition before they reach the normal retirement age.¹

But, employees may be surprised to learn that the primary causes of disability aren’t necessarily the result of unfortunate accidents. In fact, musculoskeletal disorders affecting the back and spine, knees, hips, shoulders, and other parts of the body are the #1 most common reasons for long-term disability claims.² Whether employees have family histories with these kinds of conditions is an important factor for them to consider when they’re enrolling in their benefits.

Here are some common conditions that could result in short- or long-term disabilities:

Arthritis

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America.³It’s not necessarily a singular disease, but is a way to refer to chronic joint pain or disease. Common arthritis joint symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion.⁴ Arthritis can cause permanent joint changes. These changes may be visible, such as knobby finger joints, but often the damage can only be seen on X-ray. Some types of arthritis also affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, and skin as well as the joints.⁵ More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. It is most common among women and occurs more frequently as people get older.⁶

Diabetes

On their website, the American Diabetes Association emphasizes that many people with diabetes are able to perform all kinds of jobs and activities. That said, diabetes is considered a disability because it substantially limits the function of the endocrine system.⁷ It can also have negative effects on the eyes, heart, blood vessels, nervous system, teeth and gums, and feet and skin.⁸ While many people are able to manage their diabetes symptoms without much inconvenience, some cases can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, chronic hyperglycemia, or diabetic comas which could result in brain damage. Diabetes is also often linked to other conditions that can lead to disability, like heart disease or stroke.

Cancer

About every 19 seconds someone in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer.⁹  With the litany of health complications cancer can bring, disability may not even cross your mind at first. But of course, cancer itself and even certain treatments could potentially lead to short- or long-term disabilities that make it hard to work or get around.

Mental Disorders

The Social Security Administration evaluates a variety of mental disorders to determine eligibility for disability benefits such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsion, and the schizophrenia spectrum. Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and the fifth-leading cause of death among those age 65 and older. It also is a leading cause of disability and poor health.¹⁰

These examples are stark reminders that life can take unexpected turns with long-reaching consequences, physically and financially. Disability insurance can help your employees protect their finances if they are unable to work due to a covered injury or illness.

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