I'm from UK so can't comment on your insurance issues but I thought I would share my own reaction when the consultant told me back in April that I should plan to be off work for 6 months. I had a partial glossectomey + flap from arm and a left side neck dissection followed by 4 weeks radio.
I simply didnt believe it would take that long and told everyone I would do some work from home I work with computers) long before that time. As it turned out I did virtually nothing for 5 months and now I am working about 80% of full time and feeling quite tired at the end of a day.
So please don't underestimate the energy you need to heal and the tiredness. I tried to do some work a few times but found I could not concentrate properly and in the end decided to concentrate on getting better. I walked every day gradually increasing the length of the walk and bought myself a new bike and started cycling. I'm upto 30kms on a ride now and I am sure getting physical exercise has help me to feel positive as well as healthier.