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Living with Diabetes
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Florida
The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Florida.
Florida Department of Financial Services - Division of Consumer Services website (877) 693-5236 or (850) 413-3089 (out of state)
In Florida, 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 Florida, 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. Policies are only sold during the month of August, with benefits beginning on October 1st. Contact the Department of Insurance for more information.
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 Department of Financial Services. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.
Florida Medicaid - (888) 367-6554
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.
Florida MediKids - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (888) 540-5437
The Florida MediKids Program is the health insurance program designed to provide health insurance to children and teens under age 19 whose families 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 meets the income guidelines.
Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)
Through the Affordable Care Act, uninsured people with diabetes who have been continually uninsured for six months or more will be able to access insurance through a new program called the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). PCIP, which is administered by either your state or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will be available until the provisions banning discrimination based on pre-existing conditions are fully implemented in 2014.
PCIP will be available in every state, but the program may vary depending on the state. Currently, many states run programs, often called “high risk pools,” to offer insurance for those with pre-existing conditions. To build on what states are already doing, states can either run a new program with resources from the Affordable Care Act or rely on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide coverage. Please check out the State Plans page to learn more about how PCIP works in your state. http://www.pcip.gov/StatePlans.html
Local Community Health Clinics
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.
