Is Health Insurance For Diabetics Impossible ? Think Again
Is Health Insurance For Diabetics Impossible ? Think Again
Once you've been diagnosed with diabetes, you will find that certain health insurance policies can suddenly become more costly. In some cases, it can even be impossible to obtain one. This is because many companies are allowed to use an applicant's health status as a basis for their insurance premium. In some cases, a health insurance company can also refuse to sell policy to an individual if he has a chronic health condition.
Here are some things you ought to know about getting insurance when you have diabetes:
You should be able to show you can manage your condition.
Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, it is important that you are able to implement a sensible management plan for your diabetes. This is one of the factors that insurance companies consider in order to sell you coverage, and if you can show you have a well-regulated blood glucose, are able to lead a healthy lifestyle and do not exhibit any complications caused by diabetes, you will not only get coverage, you will also get lower premium rates.
Look for a policy that considers your overall health.
Certain insurance policies do not focus on certain health conditions that you might have at the time of application. There are also those that consider your overall health.
No means no, but...
Health insurance companies are not all alike. If you get rejected by one, move to the next and if you find some who will sell you a policy, make sure you compare rates and benefits.
Is it possible to be rejected for insurance if I have diabetes ?
If you're employed and your employer pays for a group health insurance program, then you don't have to worry. A company-sponsored plan is not allowed to reject an individual by using his health status as a basis. However, most companies do require new employees to undergo a physical exam or provide health information through a questionnaire before the employees are enrolled in a plan.
If you have your own insurance policy, it's a different matter. Your insurance company is not required to provide the same kind of protection for a consumer. Most health insurance available for individual enrollees have what we call "medical underwriting", where an insurance company can decide whether or not to sell you insurance coverage.
Your application will be based on certain personal information such as your age, gender, medical history, health status and so on. Even if you do receive coverage, certain restrictions might apply, which will limit your benefits and determine the cost of your premium.
It will also depend on which state you live. Some states, for example, do not allow medical underwriting while others provide insurance companies who will offer coverage regardless of health status. Some states even restrict the sale of health insurance policies to certain residents. To find out what your state allows, go to your local health policy agency or check your local consumer guide to see if you will qualify for insurance even if you have diabetes.
What other health insurance options do I have ?
Having diabetes will make it a little hard on you to look for the type of insurance coverage that is more to your liking. However, there are certain sources that you can tap if it seems you're going nowhere. They include Medicare, Medicaid and Medigap. If your insurance need came as a result of your losing a job or health coverage, you can turn to TAA tax credit or COBRA. You can also check with major pharmaceutical companies who offer assistance programs to uninsured patients so they have access to diabetes medications.
What is the available health insurance for a senior over the age of 65 with diabetes ?
If you are eligible for Medicare and have a Medicare managed care policy or purchased a Medicare Part B coverage, you should qualify for certain diabetes supplies such as lancets, testing supplies, test strips and monitors for blood glucose and control solution to be used for calibrating meters. There are restrictions and limitations, however, so make sure to check with Medicare (MediCare.org) to see how you will qualify for which diabetes supply or service.
If you have diabetes and are looking for health insurance coverage, you might find that it is a little difficult to do. However, it's not entirely impossible because there are options you can use that will ensure you get sufficient or at least a little coverage to help you manage your condition effectively.
