Question:
I am too fat to get insurance yet not large enough to get surgery!!!!

I am researching insurance carriers (I have Blue Cross MediCAL currently who will NOT cover surgery unless I have a BMI of over 50!!!) I have a BMI of 36-37 and am researching PRIVATE insurance coverage...PPO's so I have less hoops to jump through to get this.......... Here's the scoop: I may be eligible for Blue Shield PPO (if I am lucky) and HealthNet PPO won't cover me b/c I weight TOO much....(190 lbs is their cut off for 5'8" and I weigh 225, which is a LOW BMI..) I am SO frustrated!!!! I am too fat to get insurance coverage BUT not fat enough to necessarily get approved without a fight for the surgery!!!! Someone mentioned HIGH RISK insurance.........did anyone else have to go this route???? Please advise me of your experiences........I definitely cannot lose 80-100 lbs on my own (I have struggled with 8 years with my weight) and I am SO frustrated!!! Thanks for your help! Tiff    — Tiffany W. (posted on June 20, 2002)

June 21, 2002
Hi, I am sorry! This must be crazy for you. I am not sure what you can do but as you said a PPO will be eaiser for you. I weighed 230 when I got covered by BC/BS PPO of Ca. It was thru work and maybe that made a differance. I wish you the best of luck and keep trying. Don't give up. :.) Andrea
   — Andrea P.