Question:
How does someone 320lbs get health insurance?

I live in the Baltimore area and am out of work at present time. I am seriously considering weight loss surgery, however I don't have health insurance and cannot afford to pay out of pocket. Does anyone know if certain insurance companies HAVE to accept you? I thought I remembered hearing this about HMO's. Please, if anyone has any suggestions please email me at [email protected]    — Cindi S. (posted on March 25, 2002)


March 25, 2002
You may not want to do this but I do believe that there is a way you can get on to Medicaid if you are out of work. I have heard that they do approve WLS.
   — gwendolyn M.

March 25, 2002
Hi. I found that it was mandated that insurers offer some basic insurance programs which varies state to state. In my state they all seem more like major medical plans. They are expensive, have high deductables and basically no well-care type of coverages. Plus NONE of the mandated plans in my state will cover WLS under any circumstances, nor any complications, or aftercare needed. Self-pay is pretty much the only option in ID state if you don't have quality insurance offered by an employer. Group plans can't really turn you down. And as far as individual insurance I found it impossible to get on an insurance policy that would cover WLS. Weight 313 lbs and diabetic. Hope you find better luck in your home state.
   — Shelly S.

March 25, 2002
Hi. I found that it was mandated that insurers offer some basic insurance programs which varies state to state. In my state they all seem more like major medical plans. They are expensive, have high deductables and basically no well-care type of coverages. Plus NONE of the mandated plans in my state will cover WLS under any circumstances, nor any complications, or aftercare needed. Self-pay is pretty much the only option in ID state if you don't have quality insurance offered by an employer. Group plans can't really turn you down. And as far as individual insurance I found it impossible to get on an insurance policy that would cover WLS. Weight 313 lbs and diabetic. Hope you find better luck in your home state.
   — Shelly S.

March 25, 2002
I don't know if this is true in Maryland, but there are some states where Voc Rehab will pay for the surgery in order to get you back into the work force. It's worth a call to them.
   — garw

March 25, 2002
In my area on the local town chamber of commerce offers group rates on insurance to their members. Anyone who is willing to pay the annual membership (around $60) can join and take advantage of this. You might want to check out your local business organizations and see if that is a possibility.
   — cathleent

March 25, 2002
What's wrong with getting a job?
   — merri B.

March 25, 2002
Merri, as you are a counselor, perhaps you can explain the difference between someone saying "why don't you just eat less and exercise", and an employed person saying "what's wrong with getting a job." Without knowing someones circumstance both physical and emotion. Is the fat person just lazy. Is the Unemployed person just Lazy. I don't mean to be rude to you. I really do respect your opinion.
   — faybay

March 25, 2002
I would have to agree with Fay. I believe, Merri, that your comment was uncalled for, given that you do not know the circumstances. There are times that you really make me laugh, with your witty responses. Sorry, this is not one of them.
   — Cheri M.

March 25, 2002
Cindy, I was reading on the message board yesterday and I saw somewhere that someone posted if you needed insurance or help with insurance to e-mail them that they knew of someone. I think maybe the post was from Rhonda Nickolas but am not positive. Also you may check with your local DHS to see if you qualify for medicaid. Good Luck!
   — Lynda T.

March 26, 2002
Ahhh, the things that can be read into a simple question. I am serious, what is wrong with getting a job. The questioner stated that she was "out of work". My question addresses that normal, healthy response to adult unemployement. Y'all have lept to the conclusion that she is unable to work and are offering all sorts of social service options as if getting a job isn't an option. I suggest there was no malice in simply asking the question except what you read into it with your preceived notions about fat people's ability or inability to work. And as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, I am biased to people of all levels of ability and disability getting jobs versus hand-outs as it better supports their self-esteem. I know...I went job hunting at 530 pounds, so don't anyone DARE lecture me on the subject.
   — merri B.




Click Here to Return
×