Diabetes is primarily a self-managed disease. In order to stay healthy, a person with diabetes needs supplies like test strips, meters and insulin.
Adequate and affordable health insurance is important for people with diabetes to help them access the supplies, medications, education and health care to manage their diabetes and prevent, or treat, complications.
In the past, obtaining health insurance could be difficult for people with diabetes, however recent reforms improve access to coverage.
Prescription assistance
Most pharmaceutical companies offer financial assistance programs to persons who have trouble affording their medications and supplies.
Health insurance update
The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, includes a number of changes to improve access to health insurance for individuals and families and make coverage more affordable.
The health insurance marketplace & people with diabetes
The state Health Insurance Marketplaces are open for business! Open Enrollment begins November 1, 2022, and ends January 15, 2023 in most states for coverage starting January 1, 2018. Individuals and families who purchase insurance on their own in the individual insurance market can buy a plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Health insurance in your state: state contact information
Find health insurance options in your state.
Options for individuals and families without health insurance coverage
Individuals and families that do not have access to health insurance from an employer and do not qualify for public programs, such as Medicaid or Medicare, may wish to purchase a health plan on their own in the individual insurance market.
Health insurance from an employer
In the U.S., a majority of people under the age of 65 have health insurance coverage through an employer-sponsored health plan either from their own job or through a family member.
Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people under age 65 with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Medicaid & CHIP
Medicaid is a state-administered health insurance program for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources.
Health insurance options for veterans and military personnel
Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of benefits and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Glossary of health insurance terms
Confused by the wording in the insurance plans you are considering? See a glossary of terms used in health insurance (opens a PDF file).
Life insurance
Most laws regulating life insurance are developed and implemented by state governments.
