Ask The Expert
Education, Care & Research

I understand your frustration to learn that you were denied health insurance due to your diabetes. Although obtaining health insurance used to be much more difficult, recent legislation has improved the situation somewhat.

The most comprehensive resource I found on diabetes and health insurance is from the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC). The NDIC is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Here is a quote from the NDIC site, called “Financial Help for Diabetes Care”:

"Because health insurance is meant to cover unexpected future illnesses, diabetes that has already been diagnosed presents a problem. It is considered a 'preexisting condition,' so finding coverage may be difficult. Many insurance companies have a specific waiting period during which they do not cover diabetes-related expenses for new enrollees, although they will cover other medical expenses that arise during this time.

Recent State and Federal laws, however, may help. Many States now require insurance companies to cover diabetes supplies and education. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, passed by Congress in 1996, limits insurance companies from denying coverage because of a preexisting condition. To find out more about these laws, contact your State insurance regulatory office. This office can also help you find an insurance company that offers individual coverage."

The NDIC provides information on a variety of assistance programs, ranging from health insurance, managed care, Medicare, COBRA, prescription drugs and medical supplies, and local resources.

Each state's laws may vary, so I would encourage you to explore all the sites listed below for information specific to your situation.