Question:
Looking into buying my own insurance policy to cover the surgery.
Hi All! I am currently insured but my policy has a written exclusion for the surgery. Nevermind that I work for a facility that has it's OWN WLS center, won't give employees any breaks on the cost, and refuses to even offer employees some type of paymt plan.... Anyway, I was thinking about trying to find a personal policy that would cover the surgery. I need specific names of companies please. Also, when calling these companies, should I ask upfront if the surgery is covered or wait to get the info. on the policies? I don't want to spook them or anything. I live in Kansas, but are policies in other states an option (like BCBS of CA) or do I have to stay with a local company? Thanks in advance for any help! — MICHELLE F. (posted on August 21, 2003)
August 21, 2003
I can't answer about buying out-of-state plans but I would not mention the
WLS when first making contact. They will likely ask for what kind of
coverage you are looking for etc. Then they can propose some options with
costs etc. Before you buy though, you need to ask for a copy of the policy
to review. Then go to the exclusions section and see what it says about
treatment for obesity or morbid obesity etc. If it says it covers MO then
call and clarify what their requirments are for approval etc. They should
be able to provide that in writing. It may take a little longer this way,
but then it won't be a case of them not telling you about a certain policy
that would cover it, because their goal is to be profitable.
<p>Just be cautious of letting your other insurance lapse as you may
end having to pre-qualify to get back in, which could be a nightmare. I
wonder if you can just buy a supplemental policy to pick up what yours does
not cover. Might be cheaper and also keep your current insurance in tact.
— zoedogcbr
August 21, 2003
wouldn't any health insurance plan ask about your health stauts or require
a physical before insuring you? my husb had to have a physical before
getting life insurance. And my employer declined to cover me dure to my
(previous) morbid obesity and won't cover me til I am normal weight for 2
years.
— **willow**
August 21, 2003
wouldn't any health insurance plan ask about your health stauts or require
a physical before insuring you? my husb had to have a physical before
getting life insurance. And my employer declined to cover me dure to my
(previous) morbid obesity and won't cover me til I am normal weight for 2
years.
— **willow**
August 21, 2003
wouldn't any health insurance plan ask about your health stauts or require
a physical before insuring you? my husb had to have a physical before
getting life insurance. And my employer declined to cover me dure to my
(previous) morbid obesity and won't cover me til I am normal weight for 2
years.
— **willow**
August 21, 2003
Willow, your EMPLOYER refuses to cover you??? As in everyone else in your
company gets coverage but he's refusing it to you because you were fat???
Pleeeeaaase tell me I'm reading that wrong!
— Shelly S.
August 21, 2003
Michelle, you're talking about purchasing an individual policy. Its not as
simple as you think. BECAUSE you are overweight they can refuse you access
pure & simple. I was unable to find a single policy (except the
horrible high risk pool state mandated crap = MNSHO!) that would accept me.
I was refused at every turn. They do require you to provide a complete
health history along with stats on your height, weight, etc. BTW I was
only 29 and still couldn't get insurance!!! And also if you're using an
insurance agent to seek out a policy do NOT mention the WLS thing. I
noticed at the very end of the application a section by insurance agent was
required to fill out where he HAS to disclose any medical information about
you that he is aware of. I was discreet so it had no bearing on my search.
I hope you have better luck than I did. 31 now and still no insurance!!
— Shelly S.
August 21, 2003
My company also opted NOT to cover surgery (I'm covered by BC/BS of
Illinois ... that's what BCBS told me) ... HOWEVER ... when the surgeon
pushed back with a letter of medical necessity, they covered it 100%. I
thought I was going to have to fight HR at my company, but turns out I
didn't ... you might want to try a medical necessity letter to the
insurance company before you purchase other insurance. Good luck!!!
06/18/03 -40+
— Karyn B
August 21, 2003
HI,
I just wanted to mention that I also had a exclusion in my insurance policy
so I am now a self-pay, I am going to Mexico in 2 weeks with a Dr. Aguirre,
he comes highly recommended by several people and his fee is 1/4 of what it
is here. just a thought in case you end up desparate!
— Kimberly P.
August 22, 2003
My employer did not refuse me their insurance company did. Partially my
fault. I did not take the insurance with in 30 days of hire, Then later
when my husband was starting his own business< i applied for the
insurance and was denied cverage due to my weight, and since I could no be
covered neither could anyone in my family. lesson learned, too late.
— **willow**
August 22, 2003
you can try. I had a terriblke experience a few years ago when I tried to
purchase private insurance. It was a nightmare and I was perfectly healthy
with nothing wrong with me.
— lianne R.
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