Living with Diabetes

The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Idaho.

Idaho Department of Insurance - (208) 334-4250
In Idaho, 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 Idaho, you can never be turned down for health insurance that is offered through an employer.

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 Insurance. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.

Idaho Medicaid - (208) 334-5747
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.

Idaho High Risk Reinsurance Pool (PDF) - (208) 334-4250
The Idaho High Risk Reinsurance Pool is the Idaho 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 the Idaho High Risk Reinsurance Pool for more information.

Idaho Children’s Health Insurance Program (IDCHIP) - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (800) 926-2588
IDCHIP is the program designed to provide health insurance to children and teens 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.

Idaho Access Card - (866) 326-2485
The Access Card is for children whose parents have access to health insurance coverage (through their job, for example) but are unable to afford that coverage for their children. The State of Idaho will pay up to $100 per month toward the cost of monthly health insurance premiums, up to $300 per month (for 3 or more children). Parents are responsible for covering any additional co-pays and deductibles required. Visit their Web site to find to find out if your family meets the income requirement for your children to qualify. Program appears to have been changed to provide coverage to small business employees.