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Enroll in the Living With Type 2 Diabetes Program
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Living with Diabetes
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North Carolina
The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in North Carolina.
North Carolina Insurance Department - (800) 546-5664
In North Carolina, Blue Cross Blue Shield has been identified as the insurer that must provide coverage to all residents who apply, regardless of any health conditions that they may have. This is called guaranteed issue. Residents can purchase an individual health insurance policy from Blue Cross Blue Shield, but unfortunately, you may be required to pay a higher premium because of your diabetes (or another health condition). You can contact the North Carolina Insurance Department or Blue Cross Blue Shield directly at (877) 258-3334 for more information.
If you are self-employed, you may be eligible to purchase either a small group policy or a business group of one policy. You must be offered the basic or standard health plan, but can be denied other health policies. Insurers may ask to verify your small group or group of one status by asking for your tax records.
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.
North Carolina Medicaid - (800) 662-7030
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.
NC Health Choice for Children - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (800) 662-7030
NC Health Choice for Children 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.
Inclusive Health
Inclusive Health, also known as the North Caolina Health Insurance Risk Pool (NCHIRP), provides affordable, individual health insruance coverage for North Carolinans who do not have access to an employer health plan and face higher premiums due to a pre-existing medical condition.
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.
