Removing the uterus and both ovaries is a devastating medical decision for women. Not only will it affect women's physiological functions, such as menstruation, hormones, and sexual function, but it will also bring about psychological stress and anxiety, such as self-worth, identity, and fertility. In addition, the removal of the uterus and both ovaries can also affect a woman's economic and social roles, such as work, income, family, and relationships.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, about 20,000 women in Taiwan undergo surgery to remove the uterus and both ovaries every year for various reasons. These reasons include uterine fibroids, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, etc. In addition, the post-surgery recovery period is also a test, requiring rest and recuperation that may affect work and income. To help alleviate these women's post-surgical hardships, the Bureau of Workers' Compensation provides the Workers' Compensation Disability Benefit. The purpose of this benefit is to allow these women sufficient time and resources to adjust to the physical and psychological changes and rebuild their self-confidence and hope.
Anne is a 28-year-old journalist. Because of her work, she often turns her days and nights upside down and neglects to take care of herself. At the end of last year, she noticed that she was bleeding abnormally and was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. She was advised to undergo surgery to remove her uterus and both ovaries as soon as possible to prevent the fibroid from deteriorating or turning into a malignant tumor.
This is a difficult and important decision for a young woman. Not only was she worried about how the surgery might affect her physiology, such as early menopause, bone loss, and breast atrophy, but she was also worried about her psychological state, such as whether she would still be able to maintain her femininity, whether she would still be able to find love, and whether she would still be able to have children. What's more, she had to rest for a period of time after the surgery, not knowing when she could recover, and fearing that her job and income would be in jeopardy.
At this time of confusion and helplessness, Xiao An was fortunate to meet the social workers of Sunyu Academy. Upon learning about Siu On's situation, the social worker at Sunyu Academy immediately provided her with warmth and care, and patiently accompanied her through all the difficulties before and after the surgery. During the process, the social worker also introduced the Labor Insurance Disability Benefit (LIDB) to Siu On and assisted her in applying for and receiving the benefit.
The main content of the "Labor Insurance Disability Benefit" is that for women who have undergone surgery to remove the uterus and both ovaries due to illness or accident, they can apply for different levels of compensation based on the diagnosis of disability, and this benefit is not subject to any other income or property limitations, and it does not affect the receipt of other social insurance or welfare benefits.
I. Eligibility:
1. The permanent disability date for disability diagnosis is April 1, 2022 or later.
2. The incapacity occurs while the addition is in force.
3. The incapacitation was due to the removal of the uterus and both ovaries as a result of injury or illness, and not for any other reason, such as contraception or personal preference.
The level and number of days of disability claims:
1. Removal of the uterus is classified as a Grade 12 disability with 100 days of benefits.
2. Removal of both ovaries is classified as Grade 11 disability with 160 days of benefits.
3. If you have both uterus and ovaries removed, you can only choose the higher claim, so apply for Level 11 and the number of days of benefits is 160 days.
The amount of benefits claimed:
As a simple example, if an applicant's insured salary is $43,900, he or she can receive the following amount:
- Removal of uterus: $146,333
- Removal of both ovaries: $234,133
- Simultaneous removal of uterus and ovaries: $234,133
IV. Application process:
1、Please ask your doctor to issue a diagnosis of disability and send it to the Labor Insurance Bureau.
2. The application for Labor Insurance Disability Benefits and the receipt for the benefits will be submitted to the Bureau through the insured unit.
(Workers' Compensation Insurance Board local office contact information: https: //www.bli.gov.tw/0009139.html)
(Workers' Compensation Disability Benefits Application and Benefit Receipt Download: https: //www.bli.gov.tw/0103236.html)
And the good news is that as of April 1, 2022, workers' comp eliminated the age 45 benefit threshold for women who have had a hysterectomy in order to avoid discrimination against women.
"The Workers' Compensation Disability Benefit is not only a form of financial assistance, but also a form of psychological support. Through this benefit, many women who are facing difficulties as a result of hysterectomy can receive appropriate assistance and care, so that they can regain their self-confidence and hope.
Source:
Department of Labor, Bureau of Workers' Compensation Insurance
Department of Labor, Bureau of Workers' Compensation Insurance
