BENEFITS DESIGN

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.

A Purchaser's Guide to Clinical Preventive Services: Moving Science into Coverage is an important resource on preventive services.
Developed by the National Business Group on Health in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Purchaser's Guide translates clinical guidelines and medical evidence, providing large employers with the information they need to select, define, and implement preventive medical benefits such as colorectal cancer screening and tobacco use treatment.

Services
How Does the Plan Approach Managing Diabetes?
Diabetes-Related Medications and Devices
Additional Tips