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Real members of MyNarcolepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I am curious if anyones job turned on them after the diagnosis?

A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lansing, MI

My job turned on me and I had to quit due to the stress of trying to work and focus on my treatment plan for narcolepsy. Was wondering if thjere is any programs to help with medical expenses and medication expense, and expenses in general.

June 19
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Reactions
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

The bar to prove constructive discharge is extremely high. I don’t understand why people on here keep posting AI legal advice. Please stop doing that.

Hannah, message me if you’d like to chat. I’ve experienced similar discrimination in the workplace.

7 days ago
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

Hannah, there is something called 'constructive firing' that comes about when someone is being forced to quit because they have no choice because of how they are being treated.
Constructive firing—also known as constructive discharge or constructive dismissal—occurs when an employer makes working conditions so intolerable that a reasonable person feels forced to resign. Even though the employee technically quits, the law treats the separation as an involuntary termination

Look into it in case you have enough proof for a lawsuit.

July 31
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

are you able to find work after quitting that job?

June 19
MyNarcolepsyTeam

It's really tough when a job situation becomes untenable on top of managing narcolepsy — and you're definitely not alone in this experience. Many MyNarcolepsyTeam members have shared similar stories.

One MyNarcolepsyTeam member shared: "HR expressed its concern and said I was a liability to the company, and I was let go Show Full Answer

It's really tough when a job situation becomes untenable on top of managing narcolepsy — and you're definitely not alone in this experience. Many MyNarcolepsyTeam members have shared similar stories.

One MyNarcolepsyTeam member shared: "HR expressed its concern and said I was a liability to the company, and I was let go from my job." Another said: "Working has become increasingly difficult, as I have extreme sleepiness and sometimes cataplexy. Starting to forget things easily."

It's a painful reality that narcolepsy can make holding a traditional job very challenging. When it comes to financial and medical expense support, there are several programs that may be able to help:

Health Insurance Options:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Veterans Affairs health care
- Individual marketplace health insurance
- Job-based health insurance (if applicable)

Medication Cost Assistance:
- Medicare Savings Programs
- Medicare Extra Help
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
- Patient Access Network Foundation
- The HealthWell Foundation

It's worth speaking with a Medicare advisor or social worker to find out which programs you qualify for. For income replacement, there are two federal disability programs worth exploring:

- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) — for those with prior full-time work history
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — another option depending on your situation

Fair warning — the application process can be lengthy and first applications are sometimes denied. Some MyNarcolepsyTeam members have found it a frustrating journey, but persistence and understanding the process ahead of time can really help.

Talking to an advocate or social worker can make navigating all of this much less overwhelming. You've got enough on your plate already! 💙

June 19

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