Question:
Has anyone changed insurance carriers after WLS before plastic surgery?

I have the opportunity to change jobs and I am 6 months post op. I am worried about my WLS being considered a pre-existing illness with my new carrier or that the new insurance will not consider covering plastic surgery because my WLS was before I was with them. Has anyone been through a similar situation?    — Erin H. (posted on April 5, 2002)

April 5, 2002
I'm going through that same situation now (well, sort of). I'm also six months post-op, and I currently have CIGNA, but their contract with the state expires June 30, so as of July 1, I have to pick a new insurance carrier. I called all the insurance companies from which I have to choose, and I think I'm going to go with Aetna because the rep. with whom I spoke said that the gastric bypass surgery wouldn't be considered a pre-existing condition, and that all I'd have to do to see my surgeon for my follow-up visits is get a referral from my PCP (which is what I have to do now anyway, so it's no big deal).
   — Emily W.

April 5, 2002
Erin, I was with HealthNet for my WLS, and with Cigna for reconstructive surgery. Pre-existing condition was not an issue for me. -Kate-
   — kateseidel

April 5, 2002
As long as you've had continuous health insurance coverage for more then 12 months (without any lapses of more then 63 days) an insurance carrier cannot apply pre-existing limitations to you. That's the Federal HIPPA law.
   — Patty H.

February 27, 2003
I had Aetna HMO for my wlsthen January 2003 my job changed insurance carriers to BC/BS PPO. My PS submitted the paper work for abdominoplasty and I have already been sent the approval letter. They requested pictures. I go back March 4 to take pictures for upper arms hoping they approve that as well. good luck Lisa
   — Lisa N.

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