The ADA Announces Exciting New Diabetes Insurance Changes!

The Affordable Care Act is bringing additional major health insurance changes for people with diabetes over the next few months, including—finally—the end of discrimination against people with diabetes in the health insurance market. No longer can an insurance company stamp “NO” on an application, simply because you or a family member has diabetes.

While these changes will benefit people with diabetes all over the country, we are aware that there is some confusion about how they will benefit you, your friends and your family.

That is why, at the American Diabetes Association, we are bringing you information about the Affordable Care Act to help you get insurance that best meets the needs of you and your family.

There are two important dates to keep in mind:

• On October 1, 2013, people can start signing up for health insurance through their state Marketplace. Coverage purchased in the Marketplace will go into effect as early as January 1, 2014. 
• January 1, 2014 brings a host of other changes including ending discrimination based on diabetes, ending lifetime dollar limits on benefits, and providing financial help to pay for insurance.

We have two new documents to help you understand both Marketplaces and the upcoming changes in health insurance rules related to diabetes. These documents are also available in Spanish.

In the Association’s new Q&A, “The Health Insurance Marketplace and People with Diabetes”, you will find a list of frequently asked questions about the new Health Insurance Marketplace opening in your state on October 1st. If you or anyone you know is uninsured or shopping for new coverage—or simply wants to explore other insurance options—this document will help you learn more about Marketplaces. The American Diabetes Association does not recommend specific health plans, but we want to provide you with an understanding of the new Marketplaces and link you to available resources for assistance. Click HEREto read the Q&A.

The American Diabetes Association’s new “Health Insurance Update: Protections for People with Diabetes” provides information on changes to health insurance rules which impact people with diabetes, including changes that are already in effect and some starting on the first day of the new year. We want to help you understand these changes and how they can benefit you, your friends and family. Click HERE to read the update.

Making sure that people living with, and at risk for, diabetes can access the care they need for optimal health is at the core of the American Diabetes Association’s mission. The new Marketplaces, coupled with the new health insurance rules, will help people with diabetes get the care and treatment they need. Please help spread the word about these changes by forwarding this email to friends and family affected by diabetes.

We appreciate your support and everything you do to Stop Diabetes^®.

Sincerely,

Karen D. Talmadge, PhD Chair of the Board, American Diabetes Association

 

P.S. Those who are seeking assistance in choosing a health insurance plan, or who want to learn more about the Marketplaces, can also visit www.healthcare.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596.

Ramey Nutrition Dr. Summe: Nutrition in Medicine Continued

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The Flaw in Weight Loss Advertising by PUGET SOUND BARIATRICS on FEBRUARY 7, 2013

Are you a better person when you are skinny? Of course not. That’s the flaw in weight loss advertising. In order to encourage people to make a change in their life companies must attract their customers to becoming a skinnier version of themselves. When excessive praise is placed on being thin a disproportionate amount of criticism is dumped upon being overweight.



For example, the self-labeled “diet” food Special K has launched a new campaign called “What Will You Gain When You Lose?” Obviously they want to encourage people to be happy rather than living life chained to a number, but the message really gets confused when you view their image gallery of mostly paid participants as they describe what skinny people are privileged to experience.



Can someone who isn’t skinny experience peace, delight, pep, pride, sex appeal, or contentment about who they are? Of course they can, but that’s the problem with Kellogg’s advertising message or any weight loss pitch. Lose the weight and you’ve earned the right to feel happy about who you are…

Rather than piling praise upon being thin it would be more appropriate to focus on the benefits of weight loss like curing diabetes, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and even longer life. Losing weight just so you can have “pizzaz” is a shallow reason to start a diet. Do it for your own health and do it for the ones you love.

Obesity is a lifestyle problem, not a reflection of who you are. Don’t let advertisers tell you what you can and can not experience based on how you look or what you weigh.