Diabetes Supplemental Health Policy

Diabetes is one of the most commonly occurring diseases in the United States. While treatable, this disease makes it costly to maintain a normal life. Finding the proper health insurance is vital to someone with diabetes, but it can be difficult to get all of your needs met in your primary care plan. 

It is estimated that healthcare costs for diabetics are over twice the cost of someone without diabetes, due to the costs of daily maintenance, medications and regular doctor’s visits. If you have diabetes, you may need a supplemental plan to help manage your care.

A local independent agent in our network who specializes in health insurance can be an excellent resource for you. These agents have partnerships with multiple insurance companies and can often find specialty policies and supplemental plans that can help bridge healthcare gaps.

Contact a local independent agent today to inquire about supplemental insurance for diabetics that matches your needs.

Statistics on Diabetes

• Close to 26 million people in the U.S. have diabetes
• There are 3 different types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes
• The cost of diabetes is over $170 billion per year
• By 2025, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is expected to double

Supplemental Health Insurance for People with Diabetes

People searching for additional diabetic insurance coverage do have options, but you may need to do a bit of research to find them. Depending on where you live and work, some of your supplemental healthcare options may include:

• Employer coverage: If you receive health insurance from your employer, this may be your best choice for receiving diabetes insurance, at least until the Affordable Care Act is fully in effect. Group plans cannot deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. With a group plan, the costs of your insurance risks are spread among a larger group of people, so the premium will typically be lower than the cost of an individual policy. If the coverage you are receiving through your employer is not sufficient to manage the costs of your diabetes, ask about a supplemental plan. Employers often have additional healthcare coverage as an option.
• Medigap: Medigap is a Medicare supplemental policy that is available to those who have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. This special additional coverage is designed to help you cover your excess healthcare costs not covered by Medicare, not including medications (see Medicare prescription drug plans below). You can buy a Medigap policy from an agent who is licensed to offer this supplemental coverage in your state. Contact a local independent agent in your area who specializes in health insurance to learn more. An independent agent can compare costs from several different insurance companies in your state to find you the best rate on your premiums.
• Medicare prescription drug plans: The Medicare prescription drug plan, Medicare Part D, is supplemental to the original Medicare plan and several other types of plans (such as Medicare Private Fee for Service) that help to cover the costs of prescription medications. Note that if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C) that includes prescription drug services, you do not need Medicare Part D, and in fact you will be un-enrolled in your Medicare Advantage plan and moved to regular Medicare if you buy Part D.
• Medicaid: This is a federal healthcare assistance program for those with limited income. The Medicaid program has a maximum income limitation, but could provide supplemental insurance for diabetics to help manage the costs of your healthcare.

Independent agents in our network have multiple insurance company relationships, and can help you explore the most cost-effective options based on your particular circumstances. 

There may be additional special discount programs available in your state that can help to cover the costs of medications and other services as well. Be sure to discuss these possibilities with your agent.

How Will the Affordable Care Act Affect Insurance for Diabetics?

In 2014, changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will come into play. While insurance companies have traditionally been able to deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions, this act is designed to eliminate that option, which should make it easier to find affordable insurance for diabetics. 

Diabetics can expect to have more options for insurance as well as a wider range of covered care.

The ACA will help many diabetics find insurance but navigating the various plans now and in the future may still prove to be a challenge. When you work with an independent agent in our network, you gain more control over your insurance coverage by leveraging all the options available.

Considerations for Diabetes Insurance

When you are shopping for the right diabetes coverage or supplemental plan, here are some things to remember:

• Ask the insurers you are reviewing about potential coverage waiting periods, which can be up to one year.
• Make sure your preferred healthcare providers are covered by the plan you are considering.
• Ask how diabetic supplies are handled. Test strips, insulin and prescription drugs are costly; these supplies are covered in some supplemental plans, and not in others.
• If you have a prescription drug plan and sign up for another one, your first plan may be cancelled, or you may be moved to a different plan without prescription drug coverage. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of what you have, and how any new supplemental coverage you buy will affect your existing coverage.
• If you travel often, ask an independent agent or an insurance company representative in the plan you are reviewing to provide information about diabetic travel insurance. This coverage may be available through a specialized insurer.

Contact an independent agent in our network who specializes in healthcare and can provide a range of options for supplement diabetic insurance. 

One of these local agents in your area can assess your needs and research the options available to you. It only takes a few moments to find an agent right in your area.