Diabetes and Health Insurance

Diabetes Coverage in State Regulated Health Insurance

"Since 1995, ADA has worked with the American Diabetes Association (ADbA) and the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) to pass legislation in the states to require that health insurance plans regulated at the state level cover diabetes education, supplies and services. Along with licensure, this was one of the top priority issues in our state government affairs arena. This effort has been extremely successful, as 46 states and the District of Columbia have approved such laws, with 31 of those laws specifically requiring coverage of medical nutrition therapy as part of the self-management training."

American Dietetic Association

State Laws Mandating Diabetes Health Coverage

"As of May 2004, forty-six states have some type of laws requiring health insurance coverage to include treatment for diabetes. The states not included are Alabama, Idaho, North Dakota and Ohio.

"In 2002, Georgia and Wisconsin each passed an expansion of current coverage requirements. In 2003 Hawaii adopted a resolution to clarify its mandate of diabetes education coverage. No new laws were passed during the first four months of 2004."

National Conference of State Legislatures

Health Insurance Information for People with Diabetes

"For a person with diabetes, obtaining and keeping health insurance and life insurance can be very difficult or -- sadly -- impossible to do. However, there may be other options available."

American Diabetes Association

Financial Help for Diabetes Care

"Diabetes treatment is expensive. According to the American Diabetes Association, people who have this disease spend an average of $13,243 a year on health care expenses.

"Many people who have diabetes need help paying some of the bills. It's a good idea to start by looking for an insurance plan that covers as many diabetes-related expenses as possible. A variety of governmental and nongovernmental programs exist to help, depending on whether you qualify."

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases