Question:
My insurance will not pay for this surgery. I am going to buy a private policy that

will cover the surgery. Can anyone suggest a company? I live in Washington State. Thanks!    — Stephanie S. (posted on January 16, 2001)

January 16, 2001
I know how it feels when you have an insurance company who does not cover wls. I tried desperately to get my insurance company (through my husband's employer) to cover this surgery, in the end, it was a big fat NO. Luckily my brother is in the insurance ballgame and referred my to Blue Cross. I barely met there height/weight requirements. After reading other posts this is commonly the toughest thing to get by. I got approved with them at 150% which means I pay $137.00 a month. I researched the plan, and found out about any exclusion, waiting periods, ect. WLS is an exclusion, but it will be covered if it is medically necessary. There is a 6 month pre existing condition waiting period, but I came directly off my husbands insurance in to the Blue Cross policy, therefore they will give me credit (ie. I was on my husband's policy for 5 months, so when Blue Cross became my new insurance I only have to wait 1 month on pre existing conditions)so I will continue to pay the high premiums every month until I have had wls. I hope this info helps, you can email me if you have any more questions. Good luck.
   — kimberly L.

January 16, 2001
IF YOU ARE A WORKING PERSON, AND A SURGEN SAYS THAT YOU NEED THIS, THEN YOU CAN CHECK INTO YOUR LOCAL REHAB AND IN SOME STATES THEY WILL PAY THIS IN ORDER TO KEEP YOU IN THE WORK FIELD. GOOD LUCK.
   — Regina W.