Living with Diabetes
Colorado
The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Colorado.
Colorado Division of Insurance - (800) 930-3745
In Colorado, state law allows health insurance companies to turn people down for individual health insurance coverage based on the status of their health. In most cases, diabetes is considered an “uninsurable” condition. Even though you can be turned down for an individual policy in Colorado, you can never be turned down for health insurance that is offered through an employer.
If you are a self-employed individual, and do not have any employees you are eligible to purchase a small group of one health insurance policy. You cannot be turned down because you have diabetes or any other health condition. However, you must meet criteria in order to be eligible. In addition, you can only purchase this policy as a self-employed individual during the 31-days following your birthday.
If you are having a problem with your state-regulated health plan and you are unable to resolve it with the plan directly, file a complaint with the Division of Insurance. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.
Colorado Medicaid and Colorado Indigent Care Program - (303) 866-2993
This program is available to anyone who meets income and eligibility criteria. Even if your income meets the criteria, you must fall into one of the eligibility categories in order to qualify. Contact your state Medicaid program for more information.
CoverColorado - (866) 787-9129
CoverColorado is the Colorado state high-risk pool. This program allows individual health insurance policies to be sold to people who might otherwise be considered “uninsurable” because of a chronic illness. Premiums may be high, and a pre-existing condition period may apply. Contact CoverColorado for more information.
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (800) 359-1991
CHP+ is the children’s health insurance program designed to provide health insurance to children and teens age 18 and under and pregnant women age 19 and over who may have too great an income to qualify for Medicaid, but who may not be able to afford health insurance. Visit the Web site to find out if you or your child meet the income guidelines.
If you or your loved one is unable to see a physician due to the cost of care, there may be a local community health clinic in your area. These clinics generally are free to patients or require a very small fee. Find a clinic in your area.
