A career that works—for you & your condition

Choosing an employer who not only appreciates your talents, but can also support your health needs, is especially important when you’re living with a bleeding disorder.1

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Find a job that provides the right benefits

When you're living with a bleeding disorder, health insurance matters—a lot. Look for an employer who offers employee benefit insurance with enough coverage for your needs. Before accepting an offer, review their insurance benefits for employees, confirm copays, co-insurance, and deductibles.2

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insurance benefits

Before signing on the dotted line, use the following questions to assess health insurance coverage and costs:

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Are my existing doctors and my hemophilia treatment center (HTC) in the plan?

Deductibles icon.

How much are the premiums, annual deductible, and out-of-pocket costs?

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Does the plan cover my bleeding disorder treatment?

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Does the plan have a lifetime limit or cap?

Shop around and compare costs, benefits, and coverage for bleeding disorders

Did you know health insurance marketplaces can vary by state? There are helpful tools to help you search your state's healthcare plans and explore what coverage they offer for bleeding disorders.

Health plan cost COMPARISON worksheet Examine coverage

Consider workplace and activity level

If you have hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, you'll want to consider less labor-intensive jobs that can help minimize the risk of injury or damage to your joints.3

Be aware of jobs that might:

  • Keep you on your feet all day or that require constant traveling3
  • Put extra stress on joints, such as heavy lifting or bending3,4
  • Involve frequent impact, such as construction and certain other manual work3,4
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Learn how to talk about your bleeding disorder at work

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      The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities and protects you from being asked by your employer if you have a disability and/or about the nature of your disability. You also have the right to not disclose your bleeding disorder unless it directly affects your ability to do your job effectively. However, disclosing your disability will qualify you for reasonable accommodations that may help you keep working even during a severe bleed or other issue.5

      If you do decide to disclose your bleeding disorder, the ADA recommends you and your employer create an action plan in case of a bleed or other emergency. This can include educating other employees, keeping treatment on site, and sharing detailed instructions about what to do in case you need to go to the emergency room (ER).5

      The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only, and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.

      Keep exploring

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      Consider family planning

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      Access bleeding disorders resources

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      Connect with a Community
      Education Specialist

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      1. National Hemophilia Foundation. Steps for living: workplace issues. https://stepsforliving.hemophilia.org/step-out/workplace-issues. Accessed January 11, 2023.
      2. National Hemophilia Foundation. Steps for living: benefits package. https://stepsforliving.hemophilia.org/step-out/workplace-issues/benefits-package. Accessed February 11, 2023.
      3. National Hemophilia Foundation. Steps for living: job choice. https://stepsforliving.hemophilia.org/step-out/workplace-issues/job-choice. Accessed February 15, 2023.
      4. O'Connell D. Career decisions for teens with bleeding disorders. HemAware. https://hemaware.org/life/career-decisions-teens-bleeding-disorders. Accessed February 15, 2023.
      5. National Hemophilia Foundation. Steps for living: your rights as an employee. http‌s:‌/‌/‌stepsfor‌living.‌hemophilia.‌org/‌step-out/‌workplace-‌issues‌/your-‌rights-‌as-‌an-‌employee. Accessed January 11, 2023.