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Enroll in the Living With Type 2 Diabetes Program
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Living with Diabetes
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Michigan
The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Michigan.
Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services - (877) 999-6442
Residents of Michigan cannot be turned down from purchasing an individual health insurance policy regardless of any health conditions they may have, but only if they purchase this coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. In addition, residents cannot be charged a higher rate for their policy because of their health status. This is called community rating. Contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan at (800) 637-2227 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 Office of Financial and Insurance Services. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.
Michigan Medicaid - (517) 373-3740
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.
MIChild - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (888) 988-6300
MIChild is the children’s health insurance program designed to provide health insurance to children and teens up to age 19 whose families may have too great an income or assets to qualify for Medicaid, but who may not be able to afford health insurance. To find out if you or your child meets the income guidelines (PDF).
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.
