ME/CFS: The difficult struggle for disability insurance
In Switzerland, many people suffer from the severe chronic illness ME/CFS. This disease leads to extreme exhaustion, which often makes a normal life or work impossible. However, for many of those affected, a new, stressful struggle begins after diagnosis: the procedure for a pension from the disability insurance (IV).
ME/CFS is far more than just ordinary tiredness. The main feature of the disease is so-called "Post-Exertional Malaise" (PEM). This means that the patients' condition deteriorates massively after any small physical or mental exertion. For severely affected individuals, even a short conversation or the light in the room can be too much.
In order to receive financial support from the IV, patients must undergo various medical examinations. This is exactly where the problem lies: appointments with the medical assessors are often very long and exhausting. For people with ME/CFS, these mandatory examinations can permanently damage their health, as they violate the principle of rest.
Many affected individuals and experts criticize the fact that the current disability insurance system is not prepared for the special needs of this disease. Patients often feel they are not being taken seriously. Since the illness is difficult to see from the outside, applications for a pension are frequently rejected, which represents a major psychological and financial burden for the sick.
Without the support of the insurance, many of those affected find themselves in a difficult situation. They can no longer earn their own living and are dependent on help. The discussion about how to make the procedures for ME/CFS patients safer and fairer therefore remains an important topic in Swiss social policy.