Ed Hinerman On Life Insurance

Breast Cancer After The Lump Is Gone!

I wrote a post about breast cancer last week. I was on the way to Wyoming as my Mom was preparing to have a lump removed from her breast. Thank you for your continued prayer.

I haven’t received a copy of the pathology report yet but the lump was confirmed to be cancer. As is standard in this situation, the next step will be a biopsy of the lymph nodes. She is scheduled for that next week. From what I’ve been told so far it sounds as though the doctor will perform a sentinel node biopsy.

As I’ve noted in several posts and articles about cancer, from both a medical and life insurance point of view, the stage and grade of the cancer are critical pieces of information. At this juncture of the process, having biopsied the mass that was removed, the pathologist should have a clear indication of the grade of the cancer. The grades are 1 through 3 with 1 being the best and 3 being the most aggressive.

Although they could make an assumption of the stage of the cancer at this point, the biopsy of the lymph nodes will provide more definitive information about whether the cancer was contained “in situ” or has spread. Once the stage and grade are established, treatment options can be discussed.

Bottom line. Caught early, breast cancer has a very good survival rate. This bodes well for women who will be purchasing life insurance post treatment as well as for women, like my Mom, who have reached a point where there is no real purpose for additional life insurance. The keys for good rates on life insurance are a low stage and grade, one year post treatment, and a good independent agent. I hate to beat up on these guys all the time, but you really don’t want to apply for life insurance after breast cancer through your local auto and homeowners agent. The outcome will be adding insult to injury.

Add comment June 17th, 2008

Adult ADHD! Is It A Life Insurance Issue?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is more commonly associated with children, and for good reason. Raising any child is a challenge. Even the best of them is a handful. Having raised a son with ADHD I can tell you that it’s kind of like fireworks, firecrackers in particular.

A normal child is like a normal firecracker. Occasionally the fuse burns all the way down and there is a pop. A child with ADHD is kind of like the way I used to light firecrackers, one bundle of 100 at a time. A little chaotic to say the least and just when you think it’s over, a pop here, a bang over there….

About 60% of children with ADHD carry some of the symptoms into adulthood. ADHD in adults is one of those things that is all over the life insurance underwriting map. Some companies will cut and run they way they do with bipolar disorder or chronic depression. Other companies shrug it off as the mortality non issue that it is.

Like other mood disorders, the companies that are going to give ADHD a fair hearing are really looking for how it impacts your day to day life. Do you have a stable family life? Do you have a stable work history? Are you compliant with your recommended treatment?

I’ve had several ADHD clients that are managers of businesses, owners and CEO’s of companies. One of the CEO’s I worked with contended that someone with ADHD that learns to channel that extra energy and spontaneity can use it to their business advantage. The insurance company we worked with on his coverage apparently agreed as they approved him at their best rate class.

Bottom line. No magic message in this post. Just one more chance to drive home the point that fair rates on life insurance are available through a good independent agent as long as whatever mood disorder you have is stable and controlled.

Add comment June 17th, 2008