The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus has dominated information headlines for weeks now. Official statistics point out it accounted for over half of the energetic instances of the virus in the USA by the top of 2021.

Although it’s too early to say for sure, early reviews counsel the Omicron variant could also be extra transmissible than earlier strains of the virus, however much less prone to trigger severe sickness. There’s additionally some proof that present COVID-19 exams and vaccinations could also be much less efficient in the case of the Omicron variant.

These new developments have many questioning what sort of protections their short- or long-term incapacity insurance coverage insurance policies may provide throughout this new part of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s Totally different Concerning the Omicron Variant?

Omicron differs from different COVID-19 variants in numerous methods. We’ve checked out among the most necessary options of the brand new pressure under.

Signs

Most individuals are, by now, conversant in the hallmark signs of the COVID-19 virus. The most typical of those embody:

• A dry cough
• Excessive fatigue
• A runny nostril
• Lack of scent and style
• Congestion
• Aches and pains
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Shortness of breath

Although consultants haven’t but had the prospect to hold out in-depth analysis, docs have anecdotally reported that sufferers with the Omicron variant are generally presenting with congestion, fatigue, coughs, and runny noses. Nevertheless, they’re much less prone to have misplaced their style and scent than individuals with earlier strains of COVID-19, such because the Delta variant.

It’s necessary to emphasize that these distinctions haven’t been confirmed by large-scale analysis, and that it’s too early to inform what distinction the vaccination standing of sufferers may be making.

Transmissibility & Severity

In line with the newest CDC info, it’s possible that Omicron spreads extra simply than the unique pressure of the virus, however it’s not completely clear how transmissible the brand new pressure is in comparison with the Delta variant. The company additionally states that extra proof is required to say whether or not Omicron is extra prone to trigger extreme diseases than earlier strains.

Nevertheless, main public well being professional Dr. Anthony Fauci lately claimed that the out there proof suggests the Omicron variant is much less prone to trigger severe sickness than Delta. Fauci harassed that extra analysis on this space continues to be needed and warned in opposition to complacency.

Vaccines & Testing

The CDC states that each antigen exams and nucleic acid amplification exams (NAATs) can establish the presence of the COVID-19 virus in sufferers with Omicron. Nevertheless, these exams can not establish whether or not a given particular person has the Omicron variant or one other pressure of the virus.

The CDC additionally states that present vaccines seem efficient in decreasing the chance of significant sickness arising from the Omicron variant. The company does additionally stress that breakthrough infections (infections in vaccinated people) are nonetheless attainable.

Incapacity Insurance coverage & the Omicron Variant

As a comparatively new illness, COVID-19 will not be particularly talked about or excluded in any present long- or short-term incapacity insurance coverage insurance policies. That stated, your incapacity insurance coverage coverage ought to nonetheless provide earnings substitute advantages in case you’re unable to hold out full- or part-time work due to an ongoing COVID-related sickness.

To ensure that your individually bought or employer-sponsored group incapacity insurance coverage coverage to begin paying month-to-month advantages, whether or not in relation to COVID-19 or one other disabling situation, you’ll have to have the ability to present the next:

• That you simply can not, or are struggling to, perform the traditional occupational duties related along with your occupation due to your sickness or harm.
• That the elimination or ready interval in your short- or long-term coverage has elapsed.
• That your doctor has given you applicable therapy for the situation and confirmed that your situation has rendered you unable to work with affordable continuity within the ordinary and customary manner. In case you have “any occupation” protection, slightly than “personal occupation,” your doctor must affirm that your situation is stopping you from working in any occupation for which you might be educated, educated, or suited.

“Lengthy COVID” and Lengthy-Time period Incapacity Insurance coverage

COVID-19 doesn’t must trigger extreme sickness within the short-term to depart sufferers with lingering disabling signs. As we explored in a earlier weblog, a situation well being professionals are referring to as “lengthy COVID” is leaving some people with disabling signs for prolonged intervals after preliminary coronavirus infections. Some individuals develop lengthy COVID having solely had gentle or asymptomatic preliminary infections.

The signs of lengthy COVID embody:

• Mind fog, diminished government functioning, and/or poor focus
• Aches and pains
• Persistent fatigue
• Aches and pains
• Lack of style and/or scent
• Cardiac points, akin to enlargement of the center
• Organ injury

In the event you do expertise an ongoing incapacity of this nature, you could possibly depend on your long-term incapacity insurance coverage coverage to make sure your monetary safety whilst you can not carry out the duties related along with your full- or part-time occupation.

The professional information on this space continues to evolve, which implies that COVID-19 incapacity insurance coverage claims are hardly ever “black-and-white.” Hiring a long-term incapacity lawyer will give your declare the very best probability of success.

Defending Your self After a COVID-19 Analysis

Whether or not it’s Omicron, Delta, or one other variant, a COVID-19 prognosis is a scary and probably debilitating occasion. In case your signs depart you unable to hold out full- or part-time work for an prolonged interval, month-to-month advantages from a person or group ERISA coverage may also help you keep financially sound till you get again in your toes.

In the event you want help with a short- or long-term incapacity insurance coverage declare, whether or not it’s associated to COVID-19 or one other disabling situation, contact us right now to schedule a free preliminary case evaluate or free declare evaluation. In case your insurer has unfairly rejected your preliminary declare, we may also help you formulate a complete technique to provide the finest probability of success on attraction or submitting your particular person incapacity case.