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Living with Diabetes
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Tennessee
The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Tennessee.
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance - (615) 741-4737
In Tennessee, 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 Tennessee, 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 Commerce and Insurance. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.
Tennessee CoverKids- (866) COVER-TN (268-3786)
CoverKids provides free, comprehensive health coverage for qualifying children 18 and younger. The coverage includes an emphasis on preventive health services and coverage for physician services, hospitals, vaccinations, well-child visits, healthy babies program, developmental screenings, mental health, vision and dental care. There are low co-pays for medical services, though well child visits and immunizations are covered at 100 percent.
Tennessee CoverRx- (866) COVER-TN (268-3786)
CoverRx is a pharmacy assistance program designed to assist those who have no pharmacy coverage, but have a need for medication. CoverRx provides participants affordable access to more than 250 generic medications in addition to some name brands of insulin and of mental health medications. CoverRx is not health insurance and will not cover doctor's visits or hospitalizations. CoverRx has no monthly premiums, just affordable copays which vary with income.
Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration, Bureau of TennCare - (866) 311-4267
TennCare provides health insurance assistance to Tennessee residents in a number of different ways - it is the state Medicaid and low-income health care program as well as the state children’s health insurance program. To apply, you must go in person to your local Department of Human Services offices. There is an office located in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties. By contacting TennCare, you can find out more information on their eligibility criteria.
Prescription Assistance
Most pharmaceutical companies offer financial assistance programs to persons who are uninsured. This assistance is available to help cover the cost of medications and supplies when they cannot be paid for out-of-pocket. Each pharmaceutical company has specific criterion that needs to be satisfied in order for an individual to be considered eligible for a financial assistance program.
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.
