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Enroll in the Living With Type 2 Diabetes Program
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Living with Diabetes
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Virginia
The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Virginia.
Virginia Bureau of Insurance - (800) 552-7945
In Virginia, 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). Please contact the Virginia Bureau of Insurance or Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (800) 304-0372 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 Bureau of Insurance. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.
Virginia Office of the Managed Care Ombudsman - (877) 310-6560
The Managed Care Ombudsman may be able to help consumers who have problems with their managed care health plan, such as an HMO or a PPO policy.
Virginia Medicaid - (800) 552-8627
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.
Virginia Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan- (866) 873-2647
The Children’s Medical Security Insurance Plan is the health insurance program designed to provide coverage to children and teens under age 19 whose family may have too great an income to qualify for Medicaid, but who may not be able to afford health insurance. 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.
