Diabetes Assistance Programs in Texas

Living with diabetes is difficult on its own, but it's harder for those in need of health insurance coverage for their condition. In the state of Texas, the law allows health insurance companies to turn down individuals for coverage based on the status of their health, so people with diabetes may become "uninsurable." Fortunately, there are other resources available in Texas to provide assistance for people with diabetes, providing support as well as ways to deal with the condition.

Texas Diabetes Council

• The mission of the Texas Diabetes Council is to reduce the health and economic burdens of diabetes across the state. Its goal is to develop and maintain a statewide system of education and services for people with diabetes, as well as their physicians.

  Their website offers risk assessment tools, self-management of diabetes, and advice on choosing health insurance, as well as news on legislation and links to state and national diabetes resources. (See References 1.)

Texas Medicaid and Health Insurance High Risk Pool

• Texas offers two main resources for health insurance coverage for adults with Texas Medicaid and the Texas Health Insurance High Risk Pool.

  Texas Medicaid is available to anyone who meets certain standards of income and eligibility criteria. Not everyone is eligible for state Medicaid, but individuals may submit an application for coverage online, or call the Medicaid department for more information.

  The Texas Health Insurance High Risk Pool allows individual health insurance policies to be sold to people who might otherwise be considered "uninsurable" because of a chronic illness like diabetes. For those without other means of health insurance, the High Risk Pool is a viable alternative for seeking insurance coverage. (See References 2.)

Children's Medicaid and Children with Special Health Care Needs

• Children's Medicaid in Texas is provide through CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program). CHIP provides health insurance for children up to age 18 in families that earn too much to quality for Medicaid but cannot afford to buy health insurance.

  The Texas Children with Special Health Care Needs program provides insurance coverage for types 1 and 2 diabetes for any services not covered by Medicaid, children's Medicaid or private insurance. (See References 3.)