Getting Insurance after Gastric Bypass

With my surgery so close I am really thinking overtime about everything involved.  One thought occured to me that I have not heard any discussion of at all.  Hope you all with have some info.

Once someone has GBS, how are they viewed by insurers?  Are they considered one with a preexisting condition?

My hubby is a teacher and has excellent insurance.  However one year he was laid off and we paid out of pocket over $800 mo/ for our family to continue the coverage.  Thankfully he is a very hard working type and our income was fine and we could swing it.  But if he ever decides to leave teaching (been teaching 17 yrs now) and just work his other job, we would have to buy insurance outside of group coverage.  

Anyone know about insurance issues? 

Good Morning Deb,
 When I had my surgery, I had Blue Cross. When I was 3 years out, I switched to Kaiser. Before I switched, I was up-front and told them I was a WLS patient. I had all kinds of questions as to care, doctors, etc. They didn't blink an eye. They have been wonderful and provide better aftercare than my surgeon did!
 I don't know about switching to other plans, but you might call around and ask various providers as to what they would cover etc. I've never been considered as to having a "pre-existing" condition. Hope this helps!

Here is happened to me with Blue Cross.  I had a group plan on Blue Shield when I had my surgery.  No problems.

I then left my job and moved to Las Vegas where my employer did not have a policy but was willing to pay for a private policy for me.  We went to Anthem Blue Cross and they turned me down because at the time I was less then 3 years out from WLS.  That was their guideline.  However, I left that job mainly because of the no insurance and went to another job where they had a group plan and also Anthem Blue Cross and was accepted.  You cannot be turned down for insurance if you are joining a pre-existing group plan.  I also put on the application with the group plan that I had had WLS and when and it wasn't even considered a pre-existing condition.

Crazy, stupid...Yup.  Insurance....unbelievable.

Stephanie

Gee Deb, I don't know, but I agree you should call around and find out.  Hopefully you won't find yourself in this situation again.  Just tell DH he has to be a teacher until he retires! LOL  I do know of a lady who changed insurance and thought her followup appointments would be covered because they had a contract with the doctor.  Well it turns out the insurance did not cover any thing to do with WLS.  So she sould have called the insurance and asked them directly.  I think that if he changes employment and has a new insurance through a benefit they have to cover pre-existing conditions.  Are you guys getting ready for opening day of Dove season tomorrow?  My husband and my son already have big plans! I think my daughter-in-law may go with them. 

funny you should mention dove seasom Elizabeth....my hubby said as he walked out the door this a.m. " I'll be late......gotta make some lesson plans for the substitute".  Safe to say he is not going to missing opening day tomorrow ;-)

If you are getting insurance from his or your employer its a NONE issue. They accept everyone in group guaranteed.
If you are going out and getting your own plan you will pay more but will be able to get something after two years out from what I remember. Frankly if you're perfectly healthy adn getting your own is ridiculously expensive.
Don't forget COBRA if you get laid off or fired you can continue your current coverage at a higher rate for up to 2 or 3 years. If you go this way NEVER be late on your premium or they can cancel you and do more than not

I currently have Kaiser and love it, especially since they built a hospital so close to me. 

I dont anticipate my husband leaving his job but I do know eventually our goal is for him to leave teaching and hit the road working from his laptop in a motorhome to see a game in every ball park in the US....just want to make sure I'm not eliminating my ability to be able to get insurance in the future and had never really heard it talked about. 

My mom is currently going through breast cancer treatments after surgery.  So I just want to know everything I can.  I appreciate everyone's input.  This site and all of you on it are such a help to me. Thank You so much!

Gee Deb, I am so sorry to hear that.  Does your mother live close to you?  I hope she will get better!