How to Get Insurance if You are Diabetic

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes, and many individual insurance companies deny diabetic applicants since they consider diabetes a serious pre-existing condition. However, this does not mean that diabetics must go uninsured. There are many ways for them to get the coverage they need. Through COBRA, state-high risk pools, insurance protection laws and group plans, diabetics can find a plan that meets their individual needs and fits their budgets.

Instructions

• 1

  Check out COBRA. If you received health insurance through an employer and lost your job within the past 62 days for any reason other than gross misconduct, look into COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). COBRA allows you to continue receiving the group health plan coverage you had while employed, although you will now have to pay for it completely out-of-pocket. Unlike individual insurance plans, COBRA does not discriminate because of pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, and coverage is guaranteed. Dependants, such as spouses and children, who lose insurance for qualifying events are also eligible for COBRA. COBRA coverage only lasts for 18 months.

• 2

  Look into a state high-risk insurance pool. As of February 2010, 35 states have high-risk insurance pools for those who cannot get individual health insurance due to serious pre-existing conditions including diabetes. The premiums for high-risk insurance plans are expensive, and the plans are not as attractive as individual plans.

• 3

  Get into a group plan. Unlike individual plans, group plans usually do not discriminate because of diabetes or other pre-existing conditions. If you are a member of any alumni or professional organizations, look into their group plans. If you or your spouse is working, check out your or your spouse's employer-based plan. In some states, self-employed people can become a "group of one," meaning that one person can create her own group-based insurance plan. Find out if your state allows you to do this.

• 4

  Get new coverage within 63 days of your previous coverage ending. In many states, insurance protection laws guarantee coverage from an "insurer of last resort" to those who were previously insured with no gaps in coverage of more than 63 days, even if the policy holder is diabetic. Hence, once you lose your previous insurance for any reason, immediately seek new coverage.

• 5

  Look into government assistance programs such as Medicaid or Social Security. Diabetes can be a deadly condition, so a lack of insurance must not prevent you from seeking appropriate medical attention. Speak with a social worker or call your state's Social Security office to find out if you qualify for these government programs and how to apply for them.

• 6

  Call your county public health department. If you cannot get insurance because of your diabetes, programs offered by your county health department can still help you get proper treatment for your condition.