Understanding the connection between Huntingtons Disease and viatical settlement eligibility can help patients and families access financial relief when it’s needed most. As this progressive neurological disorder advances, it can severely limit an individual’s ability to work, manage daily tasks, or maintain financial independence. For those with a life insurance policy, a viatical settlement may offer a way to convert that policy into immediate cash, helping to fund medical care, in-home support, or other critical expenses.
What Is Huntingtons Disease?
Huntingtons disease (HD) is a hereditary condition that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30 and 50, but can begin earlier or later. The disease is characterized by movement disorders, cognitive decline, and emotional disturbances that worsen over time. Eventually, HD leads to total physical and mental deterioration, often requiring full-time care.
Because Huntington’s disease is incurable and life-limiting, it may meet the criteria for a viatical settlement depending on the policyholder’s stage of disease and life expectancy.
How Viatical Settlements Work
A viatical settlement involves selling a life insurance policy to a third-party buyer in exchange for a lump-sum cash payment. The buyer takes over premium payments and receives the death benefit when the insured passes away. The seller can use the funds from the settlement for any purpose, including medical bills, caregiving costs, or simply maintaining quality of life.
Eligibility Factors for People with Huntingtons Disease
To qualify for a viatical settlement with Huntington’s disease, the following criteria generally apply:
- Diagnosis of a terminal or life-limiting illness, typically with a life expectancy of two years or less. Insureds with a longer life expectancy can still qualify for life settlements.
- Ownership of a life insurance policy, often with a face value of $100,000 or more
- Policy must be past the contestability period, which is usually two years after issuance
- Consent of the policy owner and insured individual (if different)
Although exact underwriting requirements vary between buyers, individuals with mid- to late-stage Huntington’s disease often qualify, especially if they are no longer able to live independently or require constant care.
Common Treatments for Huntingtons Disease
While there is no cure for Huntington’s disease, various treatments may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:
- Tetrabenazine (Xenazine) and Deutetrabenazine (Austedo) – used to reduce involuntary movements (chorea)
- Antipsychotic medications like haloperidol or risperidone – used to manage mood swings, agitation, and hallucinations
- Antidepressants such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or nortriptyline – often prescribed for depression and anxiety
- Physical therapy – helps with coordination, balance, and mobility
- Occupational therapy – assists in adapting daily activities for greater independence
- Speech therapy – supports communication and swallowing difficulties
- Nutritional support – important for maintaining weight and overall health, especially as swallowing becomes more difficult
These treatments are often expensive or require long-term care planning—another reason many families consider a viatical settlement to help pay for costs not covered by health insurance.
Benefits of a Viatical Settlement for HD Patients
- Access to immediate funds without taking out loans
- No restrictions on how money is used—it can go toward home modifications, medication, assisted living, or anything else
- No repayment obligation, unlike life insurance loans
- Relief from ongoing premium payments, which the buyer assumes
What to Consider Before Selling
While viatical settlements offer significant financial relief, it’s important to carefully review your policy and options. Selling your policy will result in the loss of the death benefit for your beneficiaries, although in some cases, you may be able to sell just a portion of the policy and retain a portion of the death benefit for your loved ones.
If you are facing the challenges of Huntington’s disease and are exploring ways to ease the financial burden, a viatical settlement may be worth considering. Learn if you qualify 800-973-8258