Question:
What do you think about an exclusion like this?

I received many replies to my thoughts on exclusions. But here it is verbatim for all to comment; BCBS of Alaska Exclusion: "Treatment of obesity, inclusing surgery and its complications, services and supplies connected with weight loss or weight control. This exclusion applies even if you also have an illness or injury which might be helped by weight loss."    — Timothy M. (posted on September 30, 2000)

September 29, 2000
It doesn't say "morbid" obesity.
   — Rhonda S.

September 30, 2000
I think it is a great start for a discrimination case. If you put the name of any other disease in place of "obesity" how would it sound? the NIH has classified obesity as a disease.
   — Cara S.

September 30, 2000
I think the exclusions are awful also. It's so defeating. But just as a point of clarification, since this is my line of work, employers aren't so devious as to calculatingly exclude this condition in most cases. As a Contract Manager for a large company, we buy "off the shelf" HMO/PPO plans that meet our needs. We're looking for reasonable copays, low out-of-pockets, etc. Some of these plans exclude obesity treatment and the employers' benefits planners may not even be aware of it. So it's a good idea to give feedback - loudly - to your employer. When the policy is due for renewal, they may decide to add that component in. On the other hand, there are no doubt employers who do cut every corner with respect to covered procedures, but I don't think that applies to the majority of employers.
   — Lorri S.

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