 Choosing a Health Plan for People with Diabetes
(employers/employees)
Diabetes is a serious and common chronic disease. If
not managed properly, it can be costly - in money, time, quality of life, and
other ways - both for the employee and employer. Fortunately, health care
providers and health plans recommend several different ways to control
diabetes. As an employee, you may have the opportunity to select from a variety
of health plans. If you (or someone in your family) have diabetes, it is
important to choose the plan that would best allow you to manage your condition
and to prevent the onset of complications, such as heart and kidney disease,
and blindness.
Different health plans provide a range of services and
medical benefits for people with diabetes. Before choosing your plan, you
should review and compare all the different plans' benefits, to determine which
one offers the most comprehensive services for your needs. You may also want to
discuss your options with your employer (e.g., CEO, benefits manager, human
resources manager) and your physician because he or she has a relationship with
your current health plan and may be able to help you with your decision.
If your company has only one health plan, be sure that
you understand its benefits, so that you get maximum support and appropriate
services for managing your diabetes.
Use
Guide to Health
Insurance 1 as an overall guide for selecting a
health plan along with this supplement for specific diabetes-related health
plan coverage, services, and benefits.
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1A Guide to Health Insurance is
available online from the America's Health Insurance Plans
www.ahip.org. |
