Breast Cancer Patients Can Access Financial Rights to Save Money
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Attorney Shari Dvir explained the financial rights available to breast cancer patients in Israel during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Patients can claim disability benefits from the National Insurance Institute, explore pension fund and insurance coverage, and potentially receive income tax exemptions. Dvir stressed the importance of compiling medical documentation and understanding available rights to navigate financial challenges during and after treatment.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Breast cancer patients can access financial rights to mitigate economic impact during treatment.
- A comprehensive medical file detailing functional impact is crucial for disability claims.
- Patients may be eligible for disability benefits from the National Insurance Institute.
- Pension funds and insurance companies offer various disability and critical illness coverages.
- Income tax exemptions may be available based on medical disability ratings.
- Patients should actively track decisions and appeal unfavorable outcomes.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, attorney Shari Dvir, who specializes in torts, outlined the financial rights available to patients dealing with the National Insurance Institute, pension funds, and insurance companies. Dvir emphasized the importance of compiling a comprehensive medical file, including biopsy and pathology results, oncologist summaries, treatment plans, and records detailing the impact of the illness and treatment on daily functioning, such as pain, fatigue, or mobility issues.
When earning capacity is affected, patients may be eligible for general disability benefits from the National Insurance Institute. Dvir noted that women with breast cancer might receive a 100% medical disability rating for one year, depending on their condition and treatment, though this does not automatically guarantee benefits. Eligibility for long-term care benefits should also be explored if significant assistance is needed for daily activities like bathing or dressing.
Concurrently, patients should investigate coverage through their pension funds and insurance companies. Pension funds may offer disability benefits for partial or total loss of work capacity, subject to their regulations. Different insurance policies, such as critical illness insurance, might provide a lump sum payment, while disability insurance is assessed based on the impact on work ability. Health insurance policies with expense reimbursement require careful record-keeping of receipts and pre-approval for treatments.
Continuing to work does not preclude eligibility for income tax exemptions, which are determined by the medical disability rating, its duration, and other criteria, subject to legal ceilings. Dvir advises patients to track benefit decisions, appeal rejections if they do not reflect their medical status, and plan for long-term income changes. "It is important to understand the possible scenarios, know your rights at each stage, and prepare accordingly," Dvir concluded.