Chronic Health Conditions Present More than Just Insurance Issues

12/30/2009

People with diabetes face a variety of issues as they age, from a potentially shorter lifespan to higher insurance premiums. The condition can also result in discrimination in the workplace and elsewhere, although federal law does prohibit such activities.

According to the American Diabetes Association, workplace discrimination against diabetics and others with chronic health conditions can take a variety of forms, from outright termination to failure to hire or offer promotions or in some cases, reasonable accommodations for things like vision issues.

The organization also notes that even people who have family members on a company health plan with this and other chronic conditions can face discriminatory activity on the job because of the potential for higher health insurance premiums.

Such things are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and a full range of legal and health information on these issues, can be found on the American Diabetes Association website.

Another long-term chronic health condition that often results in higher premiums is heart disease, which, like many other conditions, can be either hereditary or brought on by unhealthy lifestyle. Fortunately, those who regularly exercise and maintain a healthy diet are often able to minimize the effects of their conditions and find that their health insurance costs over time have little difference from those of the general population.

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