Living with Diabetes

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

Iowa Insurance Division (877) 955-1212

In Iowa, 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 Alabama, 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 Insurance Department. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.

Iowa Medicaid (515) 725-1003 (800) 338-8366

Medicaid 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.

Iowa Comprehensive Health Association: HIPIOWA-FED (877) 505-0513

Eligible residents of Iowa may apply for coverage through the state’s Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, HIPIOWA-FED. The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan covers a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs.  All covered benefits are available for you, even if it’s to treat a pre-existing condition. To qualify for coverage: You must be a citizen or national of the United States or residing in the United States legally, you must have been uninsured for at least the last six months before you apply, and you must have a pre-existing condition or have been denied coverage because of your health condition.

 Iowa’s State Children’s Health Insurance Program: Hawk-I (800) 257-8563

Hawk-I is the health insurance program designed to provide coverage to children and teens under age 19 and some pregnant women 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.