Recently, I’ve had a lot of requests for an alternative to health insurance for diabetics. The case of one gentleman, in particular, has lingered on my mind.

The man who I will refer to as Bob has what is called Type II, or Late Onset Diabetes. My own dad has this condition as well, so I am aware of the tremendous health struggles and monetary cost that can come as a result.

One fortunate thing for Daddy is that he was well covered with health insurance long before he became ill. Bob was not so lucky. He had no type of coverage at all when he received the surprise diagnosis of diabetes.

Do you know that once a doctor has made a chart note, or included a lab result in your chart, suggesting that your blood sugar is high (or that you are pre-diabetic) your odds of being able to obtain a reasonably priced health insurance plan plummet?

That was the case with Bob, who had been getting by paying for his glucose meter, testing strips, and diabetic supplies out of his own pocket. This had been a burden on Bob’s bank account, which was in its own state of recovery following a divorce, but he was getting back on his feet in mid January.

When I mentioned an alternative to health insurance for diabetics, Bob was relieved and thrilled, and asked me to give him a call on pay day so that he could get started. The great news about these alternatives is that they cover all ongoing medical problems, even if the doctor has written a definite diagnosis in the chart.

Sadly, when I reached Bob on his cell phone, Bob was not in a position to talk long. He had been at Bible Study the previous evening when he’d gone into insulin shock. The men in his group had responded quickly and Bob had been taken to the hospital, where he expected to remain for 2 to 3 more days to recover.

I can only imagine what the EMT, hospital, and doctor charges will add up to for such an emergency. It breaks my heart to know that because he narrowly missed getting signed up for an alternative to health insurance for diabetics, Bob will be paying the entire amount out of his own pocket.

It especially concerns me to know that there are so many diabetics (and undiagnosed folks who have the condition and may suddenly experience diabetic symptoms) who have no coverage.

Not only does diabetes require testing supplies, possible prescription medication and/or insulin; it comes with the threat of emergency hospital admission for something like insulin shock. Worse yet … diabetes brings with it a whole host of possible serious health consequences.

My own dad has suffered numerous complications of his diabetes, even though he and my mother took the condition seriously from the beginning and altered his lifestyle accordingly. I shudder to think what would have become of my parents when my dad began having strokes, if they had not been covered with health insurance prior to his diabetes diagnosis.

You see, even if a person is able to get insurance coverage for diabetics after they are diagnosed with the condition, a traditional insurance company will generally have a lengthy waiting period before they will pay anything for diabetes treatment OR for other conditions which they can cite as possibly related to or caused by the diabetes.

If in reading the diabetes information I’ve provided on my website, you think that you or someone you love is at risk for having or getting diabetes, I urge you to make certain you or they have or obtain health insurance today.

I understand that many of us would have a difficult time paying for traditional health insurance - especially on short notice - however that truly would be your best course of action.

If traditional insurance coverage is out of reach, the next best option is to sign up for an inexpensive health discount program. These plans provide appreciable discounts on care associated with diabetes.

Additionally, at least one of the discount programs provides a hospital advocate to each member so that any costs over $2,500 are negotiated down to wholesale, and payment arrangements are worked out.

If you or someone you love has already been diagnosed with diabetes, it is all the more important to obtain health insurance immediately. While it may not pay toward anything related to the diabetes until a waiting period has passed, at least that waiting period could be going by now, making coverage available should any complications occur in the future.

The American Diabetes Association website (http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp) has all sorts of great resources for diabetics. There you will find a state-by-state listing of insurance available to those who qualify as being in the individual state risk pools.

The insurance available through your state, if you qualify, can be a lifesaver in the case of extremely costly diabetes related situations. The down side is that the deductible of these insurance plans can run in the thousands of dollars. One woman recently told me that her sister’s plan in Illinois has a $5,000 deductible.

If possible, then, it would also be advisable to have a health discount program in addition to these state plans. The program would provide discounts on usual care and supplies for diabetes during the time before the deductible amount is met.

Dont underestimate the seriousness of diabetes, and dont put off the investigation of your options for health insurance for diabetics. If you find that insurance will not work for you, check into the new health discount plans which accept pre-existing conditions.

If you think you have the symptoms of diabetes, or if you have been looking for health insurance for diabetics; call me at 1-877-375-8494, or send your request for a complimentary brochure to brochure@4-health-benefits.com. Bev Van Engelen Brett has over 17 years experience working with patients as a health care technician, and now specializes in helping people obtain quality health and dental care at significant discounts. Visit her website http://www.4-health-benefits.com/ for details. If you wish to publish this article, it must be published in its entirety along with active links and this resource box.

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The Internet is the source of a wealth of information, and it’s getting easier and easier to by-pass the usual authorities and locate information on your own. But if you want to find reliable health information online, how much of this information can you trust? And when what you need to know is as important as your health how do you know which information is reliable and which information is best ignored?

The problems of self-diagnosis
The answer is not simple. Anyone using the Internet to get information about health is taking a risk, because self-diagnosis is dangerous. It is always best to see a professional when it comes to your health. But, if you want some background information, then by all means search the Internet but learn how to decipher the good and reliable from the bad and unreliable.

You can’t believe everything you see
Anyone can post information on the Internet. The people behind the information can be a serious expert or a wacky profiteer. How can you tell the difference?

Always start by being sceptical. If you come across someone who is suggesting you stop taking your prescribed medication and start taking his very expensive cure, then think twice before you buy. Read through the website carefully. Ask the opinions of friends and professionals. Search the Internet for similar suggestions. Search the Internet for stories of other sufferers who may be using the same miracle cure. If you can, contact some other people who have tried the miracle cure.

Start with government agencies
When you come across a health site try to understand who is behind it. If you don’t recognize the URL, then try to find the About or Contact page. If you still aren’t sure, try to make contact with them and ask them who they are.

In all cases it is recommended to begin with the most legitimate providers of reliable health and medical information, such as government agencies or university bodies. Most of these offer informational pamphlets and brochures.

Here is a list of legitimate American health sites:

American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/
American Heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org/
American Medical Association: http://www.ama-assn.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/
Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.hhs.gov/
Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov/
Healthfinder: http://www.healthfinder.gov/
National Cancer Institute: http://www.nci.nih.gov/
National Institutes of Health: http://www.nih.gov/

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There is a new health care delivery system on the market called Consumer Driven Health Care, more commonly known as Health and Dental Discount Programs. As with many cutting-edge concepts, this one has created a bit of controversy.

It will come as no surprise to learn that the people making the most noise on one side or the other of the issue are the ones who are make their living in the health benefits industry.

Unfortunately, this professional siding up just leaves the general population stuck in the middle, confused and wondering what is best for them.

In reality, there is no reason to be up in arms over the new Health and Dental Discount Programs. These programs are not meant for everyone, but rather they were designed specifically for the people who have slipped through the cracks in the current health care coverage system.

If you have health insurance now, keep it! If you can get comprehensive health insurance, get it.

If, however, you are in one of the following situations, becoming a member in a dental and/or health discount program may very well help you:

1. You have been turned down for all health insurance due to a pre-existing condition.

2. You have a pre-existing condition, have been accepted for high risk health insurance, and are left paying out of pocket for your care until (or unless) the cost reaches a set deductible that is very high (for example until you have paid $6,000/year out of pocket - or more).

3. You have health insurance, but you still have to pay full price for one or more of the following services: at the dentist, for new glasses or contact lenses, for your prescription medicine, for chiropractic care.

4. You already have one of the tax-free Health Savings Accounts set up, along with the required catastrophic health insurance policy, and you are paying full price - either out of pocket, or out of your HSA, for your health care until (or unless) you meet the high deductible of the health insurance policy.

5. You have talked with your insurance agent, have gone over your budget, and you truly cannot find traditional insurance coverage that you can afford.

If you are in one of the situations described above, by all means add health and/or dental discount programs to the options you look into.

As you would when selecting any service company or professional, it is important to do your homework. Check the internet web sites to see which health and dental discount companies have providers in your area.

Look at the value of the programs how much will you pay per month to be a member of a specific discounts program, and approximately what type of savings will you receive in the various care areas of care.

Find out if you have to sign a contract for a certain length of time on the discount program. See if the company offers any type of satisfaction guarantee.

Check into the companys credentials in other words, how they stand with the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Health Alliance, and American Association of Dental Plans. Check to see if the company is listed with Dun & Bradstreet to make sure they are financially fit.

If you have any question about whether a discount program will work for your situation, contact a representative from both the benefit discounts company and the traditional health insurance industry.

Expect true professionals in either segment of the health benefits industry to show a willingness to investigate ALL the options that are available to you at the present time. Insisting on this high level of service by your professionals will ensure that you receive the very best personalized package of health care protection possible.

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The reality of it all, is that you need that extra -power- to Quit Smoking. Motivation, drive, willpower, stress, over-eating and weight gain. Its all part of it, and at times, overwhelming. Quit Smoking Cigarettes and Cigars all by yourself for long term results. You will have the simple tools at your fingertips instead of a Doogin. Live longer, be Healthier and Happier.

Tobacco is a Natural Herb that has been used over the centuries for the purpose of Healing. Not to be confused with Devils Tobacco Lobelia siphilitica, that when smoked, the toxic leaves cause a hallucinogenic intoxicant effect.

There are over a thousand chemicals that Tobacco Companies put into the processing of the Tobacco you smoke. I dont want to discourage you by listing them here after all; the point is to Quit Smoking. However, have you considered the thousands of dollars Tobacco Companies spend in Insurance to provide you with a luxury? Supply yourself with your own Insurance benefit by Quitting Smoking.

Tobacco not only has a Natural ability for Healing, it also has a Natural ability to be Addictive when consumed internally. Thus, it causes the consumer to want to keep consuming. Thats why Insurance Companies love Tobacco Companies. Of course, not to mention, the hundreds of Addictive additives used in todays current commercial Tobacco products.

If you are worried about gaining weight when you Quit Smoking or in the process thereof, use the 12 Herbs for Safe Weight Loss . It is Natural Cleanser and a Blood Purifier and will help you supplement the elimination of the harsh effects of smoking.

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