Expecting the Unexpected: Navigating Illness and an Unplanned Leave of Absence

The spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) has Americans worried — both about their health and the impact the illness could have on their finances. As we grapple with the consequences of this virus, I’m reminded of my own experience with an unplanned medical leave late last year. Here is what I learned then and a few immediate financial and practical precautions that everyone should take in these times of uncertainty.

I stepped off the plane at JFK in late November after taking a dream Thanksgiving vacation to Hawaii with my family, and I knew that what I was feeling was more than just jet lag. Soon enough, I learned that I had an off-strain flu, a viral respiratory infection and pneumonia, to boot — although symptoms were similar, I thankfully dodged the coronavirus. My symptoms, coupled with my asthma, made this combination the ultimate triple-threat, and recovery has been very challenging — so challenging in fact that I needed to take an extended leave from work.

Beyond the stress this illness had placed on my body, I worried about what this lengthy downtime would do to my family’s finances, from the healthcare costs to a potential impact on my income. Here’s what I found helpful:

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Understand your employer benefits

When I left for Hawaii, open enrollment season at my workplace had just ended, so I had the opportunity to evaluate my annual financial plan and the role my employer benefits would play in the year ahead. As open enrollment approaches later this year, consider the potential impact that taking short- or long-term disability benefits would have on your finances. You’ll also want to understand if short-term disability or medical leave are covered under your current benefit election, or whether they require supplemental insurance. Your employer may also offer a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA) — these are accounts that can alleviate medical expenses, be used toward your deductible, or provide a buffer against what may not be covered by your insurance.

Know who to call

Be sure to have contact information for your manager and your HR department in a place where you, your spouse or designated contact can access it. It’s also important to have your insurance cards handy. Many insurers offer smartphone apps, and I found it helpful to have downloaded my insurance cards to my phone’s digital wallet. Designate a point of contact who can communicate about your situation, expected length of absence and any limitations on your work schedule when you are able to return.

Define where you’ll access funds in a pinch

If an extended leave places a true strain on your financial situation or you find yourself needing to conserve cash, there are several options you may consider:

• Utilize your cash value life insurance as a “cousin” to your emergency fund.
• Consider a loan provision within your 401(k) plan.
• If you have considerable equity in your home, consider leveraging an established Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).
• Use your credit card as needed — but only within a re-payable amount — to maintain as many liquid assets as you can in the short-term.

Shore Up Your Finances Overall

In addition to some of these bigger-picture precautions, there are several things Americans can do right now to prepare for a potential illness.

• Establish or grow your emergency fund. While it is difficult to focus on saving at a time when Americans are losing jobs, having at least a few months of expenses is critical. Save what you can and when interest rates stabilize, consider opening a high-yield savings account.
• Re-evaluate your financial plan and stick to the basics. The basics ring true both during times of growth and times of uncertainty — having proper life insurance coverage, a well-established emergency fund, a properly diversified investment portfolio within your risk tolerance, and participation in company-sponsored retirement plans to receive the employer match if you’re able, are all vital elements of a protection-first financial plan.
• Get a handle on debt. Many lenders are now offering opportunities to change your payment plan. Evaluate revolving debt, such as credit card debt, personal loans or loans against your home equity, and work with your lender to create a plan that is sustainable in this environment.

It’s difficult to plan for something like this, but the current environment is a good opportunity to step back and evaluate what it means to really live within one’s means. Understanding what assets you have available and what your employer benefits or insurance policy covers before an illness or complication arises can alleviate a lot of physical and financial stress.

Talk to your financial professional to better understand how strengthening your emergency fund and incorporating protective measures into your portfolio can help you avoid a health-induced financial catastrophe.