Many diabetics across America are deprived of health insurance simply because insurers do not cover diabetes in their insurance policies. However, diabetic people can still avail for a health insurance through the "high-risk pool" program.
Thirty states has established high-risk pools that offer health insurance coverage to residents who are "uninsurable" because private insurers might turn down their applications due to their health status. This includes people who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes.
High-risk pools usually offer coverage that is similar to those sold by private insurers. However, in some states, high-risk pool benefits are limited. For instance, high-risk pools impose high deductibles or limit coverage for certain services like mental health care or maternity care. And like private insurance companies, high-risk pools have a waiting period between 6 and 12 months.
The down part about high-risk pools is that they are more expensive than individual insurance. Premiums are 1.5 to 2 times higher than those charged by private insurance companies. And like insurance from private companies, premiums are higher for older people.
If you are interested to apply for a high-risk pool, you need to make sure that you are eligible to be part of this government program. Those who have been rejected, or had their benefits reduced, from a health insurer because of a qualifying condition are more likely to be accepted into program. However, you need to apply as soon as possible because some states limit the number of enrollees in the high-risk pool based on the availability of funds. To find out if your state offers a high-risk pool, check out the health insurance consumer guide by Georgetown University, as well as on Diabetes.org.
Tags: Diabetes News