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Pensions

At the CML conference in Edinburgh last November, the topic of pensions came up during discussion with fellow patients. I can't recall the details, but it did sound as though there was some form of provision which could be of benefit to someone with a long term condition, and was unlikely to incur a premium on the policy of someone with CML. I'd be grateful for any suggestions as to what this might be. I now have the opportunity to move my pension and would obviously like to make it as beneficial to those who might end up benefiting from it.

Alan - were you thinking of the possibility of getting a higher pension (from the same fund) by reason of people with health problems that might reduce their life expectancy? I am not sure how annuity providers now look on CML given the success of the available drugs. A few years ago, I looked into this because my wife has CML, not me. At that time, I was told that situation would not give rise to a larger pension because my life expectancy was normal. However, I haven't inquired recently. The quotation below is from the web site of the Annuity Bureau, so it certainly looks like it would be worth your while to look into this further:

"Health

You may qualify for enhanced annuity rates if you are in ill health or have had any previous illness or major surgery, which is likely to reduce your life span. These types of annuities can take longer to set up than normal, as correspondence between your doctor and the annuity companies will often increase the administration time by a few weeks.

The illnesses include diabetes, liver impairment, hypertension (which cannot be controlled by medication), heart conditions and many types of cancer, whether or not you are in remission. Some illnesses can result in a significant increase in your income.

If you are including a spouses or partners pension, his or her health should be also assessed, because it may improve your income."

Hope that helps.

Regards

David

David,

That is just what was being discussed, and at the time of the conference last Nov it sounded as though CML would still be considered as an illness which could reduce life expectancy. I'll follow up the lead for the Annuity Bureau. All very helpful.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Regards

Alan