Obtaining New Health Insurance

[DanR]

Yesterday, I celebrated my 1-year bandiversary. So far, I have lost a total of 85 lbs. and I feel great!

I have a high-deductible, individual health insurance policy which provides minimal coverage and my monthly premiums recently increased. I decided to shop around for new health insurance and I received quotes for lower premiums and better coverage. However, underwriting denied coverage due to bariatric surgery (instead of excluding related conditions).

My primary reason for having bariatric surgery was to improve my health and to avoid weight related co-morbidities. My insurance does not cover bariatric surgery, so I paid for it myself. As a result, I am healthier and I am a lower risk. I think it is ridiculous for insurance companies to deny coverage due to bariatric surgery!

Apparently, I would not be able to get health insurance if I did not already have it. Say what you will about the healthcare bill, but everyone should have access to affordable healthcare. The healthcare bill is supposed to eliminate pre-existing conditions exclusions by 2014.

Has anyone else had similar experiences while trying to obtain new health insurance?

[pinkfordyone]

Thanks for the post. I have been wondering about that very thing. Don't even get me starting on insurance companies!!!

[AngieB]

Yesterday, I celebrated my 1-year bandiversary. So far, I have lost a total of 85 lbs. and I feel great!

I have a high-deductible, individual health insurance policy which provides minimal coverage and my monthly premiums recently increased. I decided to shop around for new health insurance and I received quotes for lower premiums and better coverage. However, underwriting denied coverage due to bariatric surgery (instead of excluding related conditions).

My primary reason for having bariatric surgery was to improve my health and to avoid weight related co-morbidities. My insurance does not cover bariatric surgery, so I paid for it myself. As a result, I am healthier and I am a lower risk. I think it is ridiculous for insurance companies to deny coverage due to bariatric surgery!

Apparently, I would not be able to get health insurance if I did not already have it. Say what you will about the healthcare bill, but everyone should have access to affordable healthcare. The healthcare bill is supposed to eliminate pre-existing conditions exclusions by 2014.

Has anyone else had similar experiences while trying to obtain new health insurance?

Hi Dan! I had to chime in with a similar story. It is not health insurance related but my tid bit is on life insurance. I applied last year for additional coverage. I was declined due to my weight. This year I applied again, being in the "acceptable" weight now, I was declined due to my surgery.

I realized going into the process, I was going to be shut out, but decided to do it anyway. Sure enough, it was a no go. Bummer....

[PAMMIE]

re: The healthcare bill is supposed to eliminate pre-existing conditions exclusions by 2014.

THANKS FOR THE INFO, I WAS WONDERING ABOUT THAT WHEN I STARTED READING THIS POST

[Apprehensive]

Hello DanS,

You point out a very interesting topic. I had trouble getting insurance several years ago. Three major companies refused to insure me due to pre-existing condtions. I finally found this one insurance that my state has for those who have been denied insurance. Well, after reading your comments, I wonder if it would be wise to tell them about my surgery. Each year my insurance company sends out a question and answer sheet asking health related questions but so far, they have not raised my insurance payment. I pay an outlandish amount for the deductible and the monthly payment is very high as well.

After reading your post, I might just tell them so I won't be surprised if I have to use my insurance and there is a denial down the road. It is so sad that people like you and me who do pay a large amount of insurance have to be trapped and/or cornered when it comes to making this decision to have the bariatric surgery. I will bet this will put me in a different catagory and then who knows what the cost will be.

Thank you for bringing up such an important issue. I did not even try to run this by my insurance before having the surgery because I knew that they would never pay any part of this surgery. I agree with you. Why would the insurance companies not see this as an improvement of health yet still refuse to cover anything if you have this procedure done?

Another good point for Obama's healthcare bill. Something has to be changed so we are not driven to the poor house for medical reasons. I know there are many people who don't understand how important this change will be. I just wish it would go in to effect before 2014. I guess the reasons for some people who don't accept the need for the change is thinking it is "socialized medicine". What do those people think Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits are?

Once again, thanks for this important issue. Good luck with your insurance company and congrats on such a fantastic first year being banded. Please keep us posted if you find any other information about the ins and outs of insurance for those of us who chose this surgery.

All My Best

Apprehensive