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The Diabetes Health Care Crisis
People with Diabetes Don't Have Access to Adequate and Affordable Health Care
* Health insurance policies don't cover basic diabetes needs and reward crisis care, not the continuous care needed to prevent a medical crisis.
* Pre-existing condition exclusions prevent people from enrolling.
* Health insurance premium surcharges for diabetes drive premiums above what individuals and small businesses can afford.
* Medicaid eligibility limits leave many low income people unable to access health insurance.Health Insurance Options 65 and Above
The following options may be available to you.
Medicare
Medicare provides health insurance benefits to persons 65 and older, persons under 65 who are disabled, and individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).Medicaid
Medicaid provides medical care to certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources.TAA Tax Credit
TAA is a tax credit available to workers who have lost their jobs or whose hours of work and wages have decreased as a result of increased imports.Prescription Assistance
Medigap
Most pharmaceutical companies have established patient assistance programs to help uninsured individuals get the medications that they need to stay healthy.
Medigap policies are available to Medicare-eligible individuals. They can be purchased from private health insurance carriers and provide benefits that are otherwise not included in Medicare Part A or BAdditional Resources:
- Health Reform Task Force Recommendations
- Health Care Insurance Options for People with Diabetes
- Discrimination Based on Diabetes
- Coalition of Health and Consumer Advocates' Joint Statement on Delivery System Health Reform and Chronic Care
