Paperwork is the bane of everyone's existence, regardless of state of health. But life will be a lot less complicated if you tackle it early. Then once it's out of the way, you can turn your full attention and energies to getting better.

• Your Employee Benefits. If you don't already know all about your benefits, this is the time to learn the details. Find out what your employer's sick leave policy is and how much you will be paid during the time you are allotted. Do you have short-term or long-term disability coverage?  How much does it pay and for what length of time? Does your employer pay your medical and life insurance premiums while you are disabled?
• Your Insurance. Here are a few tips about keeping communications running smoothly with your insurance company:
  • Keep your health insurance premiums up-to-date. Purchasing new insurance after you have been diagnosed with a major illness is difficult and expensive. It's very important to keep your insurance policy in force by paying premiums on time and in full.
  • Keep blank insurance claim forms on hand.
  • Make copies of everything you submit for payment.
  • Make copies of all communications to insurance companies.
  • Keep the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) form together with your copy of the claim form and invoice.
  • Review your bills to make sure everything is correct. Submit claims for everything for which you are billed, including medications.
  • Review what has been paid by your insurance company.
  • If your insurance company denies payment on a claim, do not give up. Find out why it was rejected. If you feel a legitimate claim was refused, ask your doctor's office to help you.
• Your Will. A will is a legal document designating the distribution of your property after your death.
  Everyone needs a will, whether they have an illness or not. However, addressing the subject may be difficult - especially if you have just been diagnosed with an illness. If you are uncertain whether you or your family can deal with a discussion of your will, ask your doctor or lawyer for advice on how to deal with the matter.

Having a will is especially important if you have young children because it gives you the opportunity to designate a guardian for your children in the event of your death.  Without a will, the court will appoint a guardian for your children. A well-written will also help minimize problems for those left to take care of your affairs. A more immediate benefit is that the process of drawing up a will may help you review your financial situation and plan to better manage your money during your illness. If you already have a will, review it to be sure it is up-to-date. Also, be sure your family knows where your will is kept.

• A Living Will. This document is not part of your will. A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a separate document that lets your doctor and family members know what type of care you do or do not want should you become unable to make your own health care decisions. It outlines your wishes about artificial means of life support. A living will is a good way to provide your family with the information they need to make difficult decisions about your care on your behalf. Make sure you discuss the terms of your living will with family members. You must be mentally competent to sign a living will; ask your doctor, your hospital or you local hospice about your state's laws regarding living wills.
• Health Care Power of Attorney. At the same time you draw up a living will, you may also wish to appoint someone to authorize medical or surgical treatment should you be unable to do so. You can include instructions about the type of care you wish to receive. The person who has your health care power of attorney may also have the discretion to cease life-sustaining treatment, per your stipulations. Remember, it is important to have full and frank discussions with the person you appoint to make such decisions.
• Durable Power of Attorney. Consider appointing someone you trust (often a spouse) to take over your legal and financial affairs if you become physically or mentally incapacitated. This will save your loved ones from having to petition the court for power to act on your behalf.
• Life Insurance. If you are terminally ill and find yourself in need of additional money, some insurance companies will pay an accelerated death benefit that provides you with a monthly payment. Basically, you receive your life insurance policy's death benefit early. Call your insurer for more information.