The Truth about Life Insurance with Multiple Sclerosis

Senior consumers often have a difficult time understanding the various types of life insurance. Some people may think that they are only getting one type of policy when in reality, they are receiving more than just one plan. One such example is Multiple Sclerosis-specific life insurance. It’s important for seniors to know what their options are and how these plans can affect them financially and emotionally before signing up for one or more policies.

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Life Insurance For MS Sufferers

Does MS Affect Life Insurance

Living with Multiple Sclerosis, can I get Life Insurance? Yes! 

Although Multiple Sclerosis (a complicated auto-immune disease) will likely make it more challenging to get life insurance. In fact, it’s still very possible to qualify.

You will be labeled a high-risk applicant and preferred rates may be off the table. Several factors into account is a must, such as how severe is your MS, how healthy you are in general, and how long you had MS. Below, we’ll relay the ins and outs of life insurance for people with MS

We will discuss everything Multiple Sclerosis including term life insurance for people with MS, Underwriting, Symptoms and who to contact for guidance when shopping for the right policy for your needs.

Let’s Begin… Mulitple Sclerosis Life Insurance

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Life Insurance For MS Patients

When having a pre-existing condition like multiple sclerosis it would be normal to ask, “does insurance cover multiple sclerosis?”.

In fact, that will all depend on if you were diagnosed with “Suspected MS” or “Definite MS”. Overall, someone with multiple sclerosis in most cases gets coverage, unless there are severe abnormalities or obscure MS Symptoms.

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Does Multiple Sclerosis Shorten Your Lifespan

This is a question that not only I get asked often, but also a question the underwriters ask themselves. For instance, they will consider mortality when making a decision.

With that said, even know there have been major breakthroughs the last quarter-century, MS life expectancy is about 7 years fewer than someone that does not have the disease.

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Does Life Insurance Payout for MS

Overall MS life insurance is treated the same way as other health impairments. In fact, as far as payout, it will depend on what product you purchased.

In general, if you have an active policy for a traditional term policy or whole life it will payout immediately following death. However, if you had severe MS and was only able to get a guaranteed issue policy you will have restrictions the first two years.

The only life insurance for MS sufferers that will not pay out immediately is a GI or graded/modified policies. For instance, graded/modified policies will pay a percentage of the death benefit over a period of 2-4 years. This will depend on carriers and product.

In addition, if suicide is committed within the first two years of a traditional policy, then the carriers can contest the policy. Also, this would include illegal activities that resulted in your death.

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Multiple Sclerosis Quotes

Getting the best life insurance quotes for MS will come down to what agent you are working with. In fact, an independent agent will be able to chop you to the top MS lenient carriers available today.

IF you are diagnosed with suspected MS, then standard (possible Preferred) is possible.

However, if you are diagnosed with definite MS, then a substandard rating is more likely. Also, the time since diagnosis will have a factor. This will give the carrier an understanding of how progressive the disease is.

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WHAT IS Multiple Sclerosis ( MS)

MS is a central nervous system disease which affects the brain and spinal cord. It destroys the protective coating on nerves. This slows the flow of directions from the brain into the body, which makes motor works difficult.

MS is seldom completely debilitating or fatal. Some individuals with MS will experience moderate symptoms for several years of their lives but not become incapacitated because of it.

But, others may experience rapid development of symptoms and also quickly be not able to care for themselves.

Many people ask, Is MS hereditary? It isn’t. According to the National MS Society,  if you have a close family member with MS, this increases your chances. 

There is a 0.1% chance of you developing Multiple Sclerosis. However, this number increases to 2.5- 5% if you have a sibling or parents with the disease. 

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WHAT IS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ( ALS)

Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) is progressive and fatal. In fact, Lou Gehrig’s greatly impacts the brain and central nervous system.

In a healthy body, motor nerves in the brain send signals throughout the entire body, telling the body and muscles systems the way to work. ALS slowly destroys those neurons, preventing them from working correctly.

Finally, ALS destroys the neurons entirely. At these times, the brain can no longer give commands to the body, and people with late-stage ALS become paralyzed.

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What Are The Early Signs Of MS And ALS

ALS vs MS

Both disorders attack and destroy the body, affecting nerve and muscle function. Because of this, they discuss lots of the very same symptoms, particularly in the early stages.

First symptoms include:

• Muscle stiffness and fatigue
• Loss of muscle control and coordination
• The difficulty with moving limbs

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Multiple Sclerosis vs ALS (The Conclusion)

However, the symptoms afterward become quite different. People with MS often experience greater psychological impairment than people with ALS. Individuals with ALS typically develop greater physical difficulties.

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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SEVERE MS

Some of the most severe symptoms of this awful disease include:

• Pain in the muscles, nerves and your joints
• Tremors
• Sensory Disruption/changes
• Bowel and bladder incontinence. UTI’s and even constipation.
• Mobility disruptions and weakness in the upper and lower extremities

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Life Insurance For Multiple Sclerosis Patients

High-risk life insurance as you know is not impossible to obtain. It is important to answer all the questions regarding medical history on your life insurance application.

Your overall health and types of multiple sclerosis (severity) will indeed determine if you will pay a slightly higher premium.  

Don’t wait for the long term. Your health conditions or being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis today may in fact get worse. The longer you put off obtaining life insurance the harder it may be to get a death benefit you are looking for. 

Whether mild, moderate type of MS or even progressing relapsing of a health condition there is no better time to speak to your independent agent!  What are you waiting for?

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Can Critical Illness Cover MS Sufferers

Yes, as long as you lasted 14 days after diagnosis, then MS will be covered. TO place a claim there must be a definite diagnosis of MS and evidence of symptoms caused by MS.

Remember, here is what an underwriter will ask themselves.

“WHAT IS THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF SOMEONE WITH MS“

Although not a fatal disease, MS can shorten a person’s life expectancy by at least 7 years. It is extremely important at the early signs/stages of this disease you seek medical treatment. 

A healthy diet and a positive outlook on this disease will help you through any challenges you may face going forward! 

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Life Insurance Multiple Sclerosis

Underwriting

How strict is life insurance underwriting? A life insurance adviser will ask you several questions about your Multiple Sclerosis. It’s best if fully prepared for the answers! Below, we’ll list some common questions that you can expect:

• Are you taking any medication for MS?
• Have you done any kinds of treatment?
• Do you smoke?
• Has your MS improved or gotten worse over time?
• How long ago was your last attack?
• How many seizures have you had?

It’s vital that you’re honest with your answers. Underwriters will be concerned if they don’t have a sufficient amount of information. If you are not thorough with your description of your MS, you run a higher risk of being denied life insurance or receiving a worse rate.

Fully Underwritten:  

Suspected MS, but not confirmed:• < 2 years of event – Table 4• 3-4 years of event – Table 3• 4+ years – standard (preferred possible)

Definite MS:

• < 2 years of event – Table 6

• 3-5 years – Table 4

• 6-10 years – Table 3

• After 10 years – Table 2

• Severe Abnormalities, immobility – Decline

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Non-Medical with Multiple Sclerosis

Carriers

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Phoenix Safe Harbor Term:

• Mild, Standard to Table 2Moderate, Table 2 to DeclineSevere, DeclineAge < 45, Decline

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American National – ANICO

• Table 2 – Decline 

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SIMPLIFIED ISSUE POLICY WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

CARRIERS

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Phoenix Safe Harbor Term Express

• Under Age 45, DeclineAge 45 and up, Possible Accept

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Sagicor Life

• ​Decline​​

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Foresters Your Term Express

• Decline

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GUARANTEED ISSUE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

CARRIERS

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AIG Guaranteed Issue

• ​Accept ~ age 50-85, $5,000 -$25,000 face amounts​​

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Gerber Guaranteed Issue

• ​Accept ~ age 50-80, $5,000-$25,000 face amounts​​

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IMPAIRED RISK AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

It’s also important to note that with MS, you are in the Impaired Risk Category by life insurance companies. Otherwise known as high-risk life insurance or special risk life insurance. This also makes getting life insurance for seniors over 75 more difficult.

Also, if you have MS and are looking for life insurance for smokers, smoking may speed the progression of MS. A.M. Best will provide the financial stability ratings for the carrier you choose.

Also, the 20-year term life insurance policy is the most popular when getting life insurance.

Living with MS, Can I get Life Insurance?

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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CAN BE BROKEN DOWN INTO 4 PHASES:

• Clinically Isolated Syndrome — these are the first symptoms, caused by swelling in the CNS.
• Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis — this course is the most common. CNS symptoms may worsen, more attacks follow.
• Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis — this phase usually follows relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis. At this point, one’s MS may be labeled active or inactive.
• Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis — the most intense course, damage to the spinal cord affects everyday life.

Which MS phase you are in. More importantly, how active your MS is, will likely affect your life insurance policy. Life insurance companies are all different, and, certainly, their MS underwriting guidelines will also be different.

Consequently, it can save you a significant amount of money if you hire one of our agents at PinnacleQuote to help you find the best, cheapest life insurance rates available.

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WHAT ABOUT MS AND LIFE INSURANCE QUOTES

While applying for life insurance, the life insurance company will decide how severe your MS is. While people with MS are unlikely to receive a preferred plus or preferred rating, it’s possible to get a standard rating.

Although people with MS are going to receive a substandard rating, especially for people with MS that smoke or have any other medical conditions. This includes diabetes. Declines happen if diagnosed with MS within the year that they apply.

Studies have shown that treated high blood pressure may be linked to greater overall disability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), although the rate at which disability progresses might be slower than in patients without hypertension, a retrospective study concludes.

The research, involving a large number of MS patients, helps to clarify a rather confusing range of views on how factors related to heart and metabolic disorders influence this disease’s course.

Furthermore, a number of studies have previously suggested a negative effect of high cholesterol levels on the development of brain lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

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LATE STAGE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

MS AND LIFE INSURANCE

Remember, if declined, guaranteed issue life insurance is always there as a backup. With guaranteed issue life insurance, acceptance is fast after you apply. In fact, you won’t need to go through a medical exam.

However, these policies are more expensive. Also note, alcohol has a number of short-term effects that can exacerbate many of the symptoms of MS. So a history of DUI will also make it harder to get the best rate with MS. 

At PinnacleQuote, we can answer any and all of your questions regarding life insurance with MS, and make sure that you get connected to the right life insurance companies.

Working with us can potentially save you a large amount of time and money, since we do all the research for you, and have the resources and connections to get you the best quotes on your life insurance.

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CAN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) CAUSE OTHER ILLNESSES

Late research shows that ladies with MS are at an expanded danger of cardiovascular issues, for example, stroke, heart attack, and coronary illness. Debilitated trunk muscles and nerve harm along the spinal rope can cause torment, exhaustion, aggravation, and even make it hard to relax.

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SLEEP APNEA CONNECTION WITH MS

Obstructive Sleep Apnea may compound weariness seriousness in MS. This treatable issue of rest and breathing is a known reason for exhaustion and related indications all in all populace studies.  

This also constitutes a critical hazard factor for cardiovascular malady, metabolic disorder, engine vehicle mishaps, diminished profitability, psychological brokenness, and low quality of life.

Yet, in spite of its effect on the overall public, the degree to which OSA adds to weariness in people with MS is inadequately comprehended, and the pervasiveness of OSA in MS stays vague.

Though some fight that the commonness of OSA is higher in MS patients than in the all-inclusive community, heterogeneity in subjects considered, example sizes and result measures have prompted very factor estimates.

Furthermore, no institutionalized approach has been produced to distinguish clinical highlights that may flag OSA chance in people with MS.

Research on recognizing highlights of OSA versus other rest related indicators of exhaustion in MS could enable clinicians to distinguish patients well on the way to profit by rest assessments and upgrade weariness administration.

The reason for this investigation was to survey the recurrence of analyzed OSA and raised OSA hazard among MS patients in a tertiary MS focus.  

Also, to evaluate connections between exhaustion seriousness, OSA, OSA hazard, and rest quality among people with MS in the outpatient setting.

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MEDICAL MARIJUANA TREATMENT FOR MS

Medical Marijuana and MS

If you have had Multiple sclerosis for some time now and attempted a cluster of things to facilitate your torment or control those muscle fits.

However, you’re simply not getting the alleviation you require. Is it time, you ponder, to focus on all the discussion about medicinal marijuana? Would it be able to be a possibility for you?

It’s conceivable.

Some have been given relief from medical marijuana treatment. In some cases, it helped the tingling sensation in hands and feet subside.

Some people with MS have experienced sensations as tasting root beer on the roof of the mouth and/or smelling ammonia. So Marijuana has been known to help MS patients with there symptoms.

If your being treated with marijuana for your multiple sclerosis, life insurance carriers will rate you for the underlining condition and not the treatment itself.

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INDICATIONS OR SYMPTOMS OF MS

LIFE INSURANCE FOR MS SUFFERERS

MS-related sensory system harm

Multiple Sclerosis signs and side effects may vary enormously from individual to individual and through the span of the sickness relying upon the area of influenced nerve filaments. They may include:

• Deadness or shortcoming in at least one appendages that ordinarily happens on one side of your body at any given moment, or the legs and trunk
• Fractional or finish loss of vision, typically in one eye at any given moment, regularly with torment amid eye development
• Drawn out two-fold vision
• Shivering or agony in parts of your body
• Electric-stun vibes that happen with certain neck developments, particularly bowing the neck forward (Lhermitte sign)
• Tremor, the absence of coordination or insecure stride
• Slurred discourse
• Exhaustion
• Wooziness
• Issues with Entrail and bladder work

(At the point when to see a specialist.)

See a specialist in the event that you encounter any of the above indications for obscure reasons.

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INFECTION COURSE

LIFE INSURANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH MS

Having MS is considered high-risk life insurance. The vast majority of MS have a backsliding transmitting sickness course. They encounter times of new indications or backslides that create over days or weeks and for the most part enhance somewhat or totally.

These backslide are trailed by calm times of sickness abatement that can a months ago or even years.

Little increments in body temperature can incidentally decline signs and side effects of MS, however, these aren’t considered malady backslides.

Around 60 to 70 percent of individuals with backsliding transmitting MS, building up an enduring movement of side effects. This includes, with or without times of reduction, known as auxiliary dynamic MS

The declining of side effects, as a rule, incorporates issues with portability and stride. The rate of ailment movement differs significantly among individuals with optional dynamic MS.

A few people with MS encounter a continuous beginning and enduring movement of signs and indications with no backslides. In fact, it’s known as essential dynamic MS.

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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS VS ALS (LOU GEHRIG’S DISEASE)

As you can imagine, when life insurance underwriters are considering approving coverage for MS, that the similarities between ALS and MS could cloud their judgment.

In various ways, both of these diseases are similar. However, key differences decide the difference between the therapy and prognosis. ALS is always a decline.

ALS also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is progressive and fatal. In fact, it greatly impacts the brain and central nervous system.

In a wholesome body, motor nerves in the brain send signals through the entire body, telling the body and muscles systems the way to do the job.

ALS gradually destroys those neurons, preventing them from functioning properly.

Finally, ALS destroys the nerves entirely. At these times, the brain can’t provide orders to your system, and people who have late-stage ALS become paralyzed.

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MS Society Life Insurance

As per the National MS Society, A study estimates nearly 1 million people in the United States are living with MS. 

In addition, it is also estimated that 2.3 million people live with MS globally. In fact,  200 new cases are diagnosed each week in the United States.

Multiple Sclerosis life expectancy? Statistics show for people with MS is around 5 to 10 years lower than the average

Life Insurance & Multiple Sclerosis Statistics

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INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES 

How to stay positive with MS? Support groups can be very helpful when you going through all the emotions of having this disease. When you can share your thoughts, fears, stories with people who are going through the very same thing as you, can be a very impact on your mind and body.  CLICK HERE for more information. 

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Multiple Sclerosis Inspiration and Life Insurance

When faced with a chronic illness, there can be many challenges besides finding the best life insurance policy/carrier.  Sometimes just getting through the day is the challenge.  

We tend to get frustrated and sad.  Changing the way we look at things and our perspectives make things easier.  Also, it makes us stronger.

PinnacleQuote is very knowledgeable with all health impairments.  We support our clients.  In fact, we are here to not only make the process of purchasing life insurance simple but to be a big support to you as well.

Any questions you may have, do not hesitate to ask!

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National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Resource

If you suffer from Multiple Sclerosis and have questions.  Here is a great resource for you.  The National Multiple Sclerosis Society phone number is (800) 344-4867. 

You can also call the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America by dialing (800) 532-7667 ext. 154.

Here at PinnacleQuote, Danny Ray the Owner and Agent specialize in ALL health impairments.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call!  You can also set up a phone appointment to speak to Danny at a time specific to your needs and convenience.  

Call me, (Lisamarie) at (855) 380-3300. This is my direct phone number, I can also be reached via email, Lisamarie@PinnacleQuote.com.

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ALS Foundation for Life

Resource

For more information and resources regarding ALS, here is their phone number (508) 655-4381.

Here at PinnacleQuote, Danny Ray, the Owner, and Independent Agent specialize in ALL health impairments.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call!  You can also set up a phone appointment to speak to Danny at a time specific to your needs and convenience.  

Call me, (Lisamarie) at (855) 380-3300. This is my direct phone number, I can also be reached via email, Lisamarie@PinnacleQuote.com.

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THE FINAL SAY ON LIFE INSURANCE AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)

“Here at PinnacleQuote, we will hold you by the hand from start to finish!!!” …Danny Ray

In the modern life insurance policy arena, it’s likely to locate cheap life insurance coverage for multiple sclerosis. The important thing is finding an independent agent that specializes in this market.

 Like us here at PinnacleQuote. We’re experts at underwriting that will find you the life insurance companies that are lenient and understand multiple sclerosis. We negotiate with the underwriters on your behalf.

Danny Ray ~Owner/Agent of PinnacleQuote Life Insurance Specialists

By law, somebody gets paid a commission no matter how you buy your policy. The top agencies like SelectQuote can’t supply you with the personalized care that we are able to. Who knows if you could also receive the exact same person on the telephone twice once you telephone any large agency. In most cases, your just a disembodied voice over the phone and a few letters on the screen. Not here at PinnacleQuote, we will hold you by the hand from start to finish.

With two and a half decades of experience, you’ll be able to contact us 15 hours a day and 7 days a week.

More Important, If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at PinnacleQuote (855)380-3300

Here are some great references for MS:

Multiple Sclerosis Discovery Forum

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Multiple Sclerosis Center

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Best APPS of 2019 for Multiple Sclerosis on your I-Phone

With today’s world and modern technology, we mostly find ourselves on our cell phones. Minicomputers! .  

Here are a few suggestions of the best APPS of 2018 for MS. You can utilize these apps for multiple sclerosis diagnosis and management of the disease.

• MS Clinical Resources ~ Free APP
• MS Self ~ Free APP
• My MS Diary ~ Free APP
• MS Focus Radio ~ Free APP

Conclusion

Life insurance is something that many people take for granted until they need it. So, what happens if you have Multiple Sclerosis and want to get life insurance? It’s still possible! We can help you find a policy that works with your diagnosis in order to protect your family from financial hardship after death. To learn more about the types of policies available, call us today at 855-380-3300 or fill out our quick online form. There are so many options we can provide life coverage no matter how complicated your medical condition may be. Get a quote now!