Question:
How long should my policy be in effect before I try to have them pay for WLS?

My company changed insurance company from BC/BS of Florida to Great West effective Jan. 1,2000. Do I stand a better chance of approval if I wait awhile before trying to get them to pay? Thank you for your response.    — Karen M. (posted on January 26, 2000)

January 26, 2000
There have been a few approvals with Great West. You can do an insurance search here on this website to see whats been approved. You plan booklet is also like your bible. Keep it close to you as it tells you what you need. As far as pre-existing condition goes, if you have been covered under the other policy for a year, there shouldn't be one. Talk with your employee benefits coordinator to be sure.
   — [Anonymous]

January 26, 2000
Go ahead and apply right now. As long as the new insurance company has your file on their computer now, there should be no trouble caused by the newness of your policy. My husband changed jobs while I was in the middle of my quest for WLS, and I applied to my new insurance company as soon as the policy took effect. Since you are switching directly from one insurance company to another, there is a federal law called HIPAA which applies. In this case the law forbids your new insurance company from excluding treatment based on any "pre-existing condition" clause. So, your insurance company will have to treat your request the same as they would a request from a long-time policy holder. Hope this helps. Lynn
   — Lynn K.

January 26, 2000
Hi,my husband had been working for one company when we first tried to get on BC/BS insurance and they refused to cover me because of my weight. He changed jobs and we took advantage of the open enrollment, and got covered by the same ins co. Our coverage began 7/1/99, and on 9/?/99 I had my consult. Almost 4 weeks later, I had approval. I had my surgery on 10/15/99. For what its worth. Susan
   — Susan F.

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