Question:
Has anyone had any luck purchasing health insurance for themselves?

   — Lynne S. (posted on March 11, 2003)

March 11, 2003
Hi; If this surgery is what you really want, then my humble opinion is to take the job with the benefits. Of course you should check to see if there is an exclusion written into the policy for wgt loss surgery, anc check what the criteria is for authorization. It is very difficult to purchase private insurance if you have any comorbidities, such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes. And while it is not imposible, it is VER expensive. The copays can be very hight and the policys very limited. My guess would be finding one that would include bariatric surgery would be near impossible. The only one that comes to mind in California is Kaiser, ant they have a very long waiting list and difficult criteria for bariatric surgery. My guess is with growing popularity of the surgery other carriers will tighten up as well. A private company can get much better rates for insurance and offer more of a variety of plans. So I guess you need to decide what is more important to you. You can always take the better paying position later, after the surgery.. GOOD LUCK; Keniki
   — Keniki B.

March 11, 2003
If you decide to do the IC routine, have you considered continuing your current coverage? When your coverage runs out, they have to offer the same coverage to you for an extended period of time (referred to as COBRA). You have to pay for it out of your pocket, but at least you will be insured. One warning though...if that is something you look into and decide to do... do NOT procrastinate with your surgery. It will be best if you are as far post-op as possible when this coverage is no longer offered (I believe generally 18 months) to get the best options for new insurance at that time. If this is something that you decide to do, please talk to your PCP and surgeon so that you are all of the same understanding on your time limitations. Good luck!
   — Diane S.