How I've Navigated Insurance Changes with Type 2 Diabetes

Unexpected changes to your diabetes management routine — like a change in insurance coverage — can make life stressful. Here’s how I adapted to these curveballs.

Living with a chronic health condition like type 2 diabetes can be stressful at times, and how you react to stress is just as important as keeping your blood glucose levels under control.

Everyone faces stress in their daily life, and it’s a given that someone cutting you off in traffic or a sarcastic remark from a friend or co-worker can increase those levels even further.

Recently, I learned from my insurance provider that it would no longer offer coverage in my area, and I’d have to select another company to maintain health coverage. This is how I’ve learned to adapt to these unexpected changes.

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Finding the right medical personnel

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have lived with type 2 diabetes for 20 years like me, perhaps the most important partner you can find to help manage your condition is a medical professional who listens while giving you the tools you need to succeed every day. It isn’t always easy.

Since diabetes runs in my family, I wasn’t surprised when a blood test revealed elevated blood glucose levels, and I started looking for the best doctor to help me figure out what I needed to do. My first few appointments were held at the local health clinic, and I was prescribed two different forms of prescription medication.

After 6 months, I found a doctor nearby who also had type 2 diabetes, and he was able to help me understand how important it was to keep my A1C levels low and to incorporate movement into my life while making better food choices.

For 3 years, I saw Dr. Jackson every 3 months, and at each visit, we discussed what was working and what wasn’t working for me. On some visits, we discussed new options for treatment based on advancements in medicine or my lab results.

I was very comfortable talking to him about my diabetes, but unfortunately, I had to find another provider as he stepped away from his practice. So, it was time to find another doctor.

When your circumstances change

Over the next 15 years, I went through several doctors, including endocrinologists, internal medicine specialists, and nurse practitioners (NPs), all of whom have one thing in common: Changing my medical regimen without seeking input from me.

Then, about 5 years ago, I changed medical providers again due to a change in my insurance status. After an initial visit with my new NP, who listened to my story, she recommended a different form of long-acting insulin that gave me some of the best numbers I’d seen since leaving Dr. Jackson.

When I received the notice advising me about canceling my health insurance, I never dreamed I wouldn’t be able to keep seeing my regular doctor. I purchased my health insurance through the Healthcare.gov marketplace and spent hours researching different plans and providers, hoping to keep everything the same.

Unfortunately, as I found out, the health provider websites are difficult to navigate and aren’t always accurate. When I went to my first appointment in early March 2023, I was surprised to discover that my NP’s office didn’t accept my new insurance. I paid out of pocket that day just because I needed prescriptions refilled and my A1C checked. I have another appointment soon, and I still haven’t decided what to do next.

As someone with more than one chronic condition, I have several doctors that I go to, and I have already found ones that accept my insurance. But I know if I switch medical providers to treat my type 2 diabetes, the first thing they’ll want to do is “change my regimen” to what they’re currently prescribing or what is the latest “it” drug.

The bottom line

If you’re getting married, switching employers, or otherwise find yourself needing to switch insurance providers, be prepared to look for new doctors. Managing a chronic condition is challenging, but unexpected changes in your routine can make things even more stressful.

I haven’t had any significant changes to my medical regimen in 5 years. My numbers are good, and I’ve settled into a comfortable routine. I’m still hesitant about switching medical providers, but I’m curious too because when you’ve had type 2 diabetes as long as I have, you can become complacent, so there may be new options that work for me. I’ve heard a lot about weekly insulin injections, so that’ll be one of the first things I’ll ask about.

Change can be scary, but don’t let the fear of it prevent you from living your best life. Seek answers, ask questions, and always double-check your insurance coverage.