Research shows sharp drop in disability claims by those living with HIV/AIDS
28 November 2013 | Life Insurance | Dread Disease and/or Disability / Critical Ilness | Graham Thomas, Liberty
Advancements in the treatment of HIV/AIDS has led to a sharp decrease in the number of disability claims being submitted by South Africans living with the disease. As a result, employer groups should recognise that staff members who have contracted the disease can manage it much like chronic diseases such as diabetes or cancer.
Statistics collated by Liberty Corporate show that the percentage of disability claims being submitted by those living with HIV/AIDS has fallen sharply for the last few years.
According to Graham Thomas, Head, Risk Product Solutions at Liberty Corporate, the company’s Group Risk business has seen HIV drop from the number one claim cause for disability, to number two. "This has been accompanied by a downward trend in the percentage of disability and critical illness claims related to HIV, which can be attributed to a combination of ARV availability, better awareness, free testing and counselling, as well as better workplace accommodation of HIV positive people.”
The data shows that many HIV/AIDS-related incapacity claimants can return to gainful employment when managed properly with ARVs and AIDS treatment and compliance. "As a result, the disease should no longer be a cause of a lengthy stay away from work or permanent disability, except in a few cases.”
He says while fluctuating symptoms are common amongst people living with HIV, employers can make reasonable adjustments to accommodate those living with the disease in order to ensure they can continue their employment and provide for their families.
"It is very positive news that advancements in treatment have resulted in a better quality of life for those living with the disease. Many of those living with HIV/AIDS should no longer have to stay away from work for a prolonged period of time,” concludes Thomas.
