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Living with Diabetes
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Ohio
The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Ohio.
Ohio Department of Insurance - (800) 686-1526
Each year, health insurance companies must hold an open enrollment period where residents of Ohio can purchase an individual health insurance policy regardless of any health conditions they may have. The rest of the year, these insurers are free to turn you down for an individual health insurance policy due to your health status. Open enrollment periods vary depending on the health insurance company, as well as the county in which you live. Premiums may be high, and pre-existing condition periods may apply. The Ohio Department of Insurance may be able to help you locate names and phone numbers of possible insurers who will sell you an individual policy during an open enrollment period. Please contact them for more information. Please keep in mind that you can never be turned down for health insurance that is offered through your 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.
Ohio Medicaid and Healthy Families - (800) 324-8680
Both Medicaid and Healthy Families are programs eligible to children and parents who meet certain income requirements.
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.
Ohio’s Best Rx Program - Prescription Drug Program - (866) 923-7879
Ohio's "Best Rx" is a prescription drug discount card program for Ohio residents over age 60, OR under age 60 withincomes less than 300% of the federal poverty level ($32,490 for a single person, $43,710 for a family of two, or $66,150 for a family of four).
Healthy Start - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (800) 324-8680
Healthy Start 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.
