Question:
Has anyone considered petitioning the U.S. House and Senate?

Since so many seem to have problems with insurance (myself included), why don't we bombard our U.S and state representatives and senators with requests to not allow insurance restrictions excluding morbid obesity? There are several states that have resolutions on the books right now, but wouldn't it be nice if we all didn't have to do this battle individually, but could have at least the head start of the law behind us??? I say we all send our reps a request to consider the matter in the next legislative session. If you can include any medical benefits plus the Kaiser Permanente study of 1997 which showed it was more cost effective to prevent obesity than to treat the individual co-morbidities, it will only help our case. Any takers???? I wrote mine today.    — Dana E. (posted on January 29, 2001)

January 30, 2001
Amen! Where can you find a copy of the Kaiser study? I will follow your lead!
   — Angela B.

January 30, 2001
Please, let me no were I can get a copy too! I am scheduled for surgery on the 12th of February and I just found out today that I was denied!!
   — Trisch B.

January 30, 2001
On the Kaiser Permanente study, it can be found in the March 9, 1998 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. The study is titled "Obesity, Health Services Use, and Health Care Costs Among Members of a Health Maintenance Organization. I'll see if I can get a copy of this paper and post extracts. sheila
   — Sheila C.

January 31, 2001
YES, I'm right there with you sista! I just spoke with my State Legislator today regarding coverage of WLS through the Texas Medicaid program. As some of you may know, Texas has one of the WORST Medicaid programs in the country, and I don't think it's fair that other states medicaid plans can cover WLS and Texas does NOT. We'll have to change that! I'm going to do everything possible to get that exclusion in the medicaid policy changed. Tomorrow, I'm going to call my State Senator's office! The Battle Has Only JUST Begun!
   — Michelle R.

June 28, 2002
I'm from Texas, and I'm ready to see a change in the dicriminatory practices of the insurance industry. Let me know what I can do to help you w/this. I've already written letters to President Bush, my US Senators and Rep...but I don't mind following up with more!!
   — Lynda L.

September 17, 2002
Dana, Would you be willing to share a copy of the letters you sent off? If an example letter can be distributed, maybe more people would be willing to basically use your format. An email is a fast way of writing our U.S. and State Reps. I'll be adding my letters along with yours.
   — Tammy R.

November 18, 2002
Dana.... Go to my website ( http://shawnag1976.tripod.com/shawnasweightlosssurgeryjournal/ ) and click "Sign the Petition" at the bottom of the page. I have recently started a petition to send to congress and am needing 1000 signatures before I can present it. Fill out the form and tell all your WLS friends and supporters!!!! Thank you!!!
   — SMG I.

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