The American Diabetes Association Alert Day is observed each year on the 4th Tuesday of March. In 2018, it falls on March 27 and offers a 1-day wake-up call to Americans about the seriousness of diabetes.
For those with diabetes, many wonder if they can still qualify for Long Term Care insurance. LTC underwriters may be cautious in approving coverage for applicants with diabetes. Here’s what you need to know about having diabetes and getting the coverage you need.
Obtaining LTC Insurance with Diabetes
Can you get coverage if you have diabetes? Most often, the answer is yes. However, each carrier may underwrite diabetes differently. Various factors are considered in their approval or decline of coverage.
Type I or II Diabetes
People with Type I Diabetes are unable to produce insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. With Type II Diabetes, individuals can produce insulin, but the body becomes less efficient and even resistant to moving sugar out of the bloodstream.
Individuals with Type II Diabetes can be approved by all LTC insurance carriers. Those with Type I Diabetes may receive an approval, but fewer LTC carriers will consider Type I.
Controlling Diabetes
People with diabetes may be prescribed an oral medication by their doctor to control their blood glucose levels. Alternatively, daily insulin therapy may be prescribed.
“If you or your spouse are diabetic and interested in LTC coverage, it’s important to work with an LTC Specialist.”
Most LTC carriers are comfortable with diabetes controlled by diet, exercise, and oral medications. Many LTC underwriters are not comfortable with diabetics dependent upon insulin which may lead to a decline in coverage. However, several companies will offer coverage to diabetics prescribed insulin therapy so there’s a chance of getting covered. The key to approval is using less than 70 units of insulin per day with your A1C at 8.5 or lower.
Comorbid Factors to Consider
LTC underwriters take into consideration other health factors to determine an approval or decline for diabetics, including:
- A1C levels
- Diabetic complications (neuropathy or retinopathy)
- Tobacco use
- Weight
- Cardiac disease
- History of TIA or stroke
If comorbid conditions are present such as nephropathy, neuropathy, or retinopathy, your application will likely be denied.
If you or your spouse are diabetic and interested in LTC coverage, it’s important to work with an LTC Specialist. They contract with multiple insurance companies and can submit your application to the right carriers to increase your chance of approval.
At LTC Consumer, we represent the top LTC insurance carriers on the market and specialize only in Long Term Care insurance. If you have diabetes and are interested in getting coverage, contact us today to learn more about your options.
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