Private Health Insurance. Need Advice

I had RNY in July of 2006.  I recently left my job of 14 years to take another job in a nicer area with more pay.  Unfortuneatly the company I am with now is a small company that does not offer health benefits.  I have to get my own coverage.  I was denied by Kaiser for having gall stones.  I called UnitedHealthcare for a quote and they said they do not offer individual coverage for RNY patiends until they reach the 5 year mark post op.  SERIOUSLY?????  I was insured by them when I HAD my surgery.  Now, they won't insure me 4 years later? 

My question is, do any of you have private coverage you obtained AFTER your surgery, with who?
I don't want to be uninsured until NEXT July.........rediculous!
Connie

That is exactly what happened to me Connie.  When I left my job where I had Blue Shield who paid for my RNY and my new employer did not have a group plan but set me up through his insurance agent to get my own plan also thru Blue Shield, I was turned down.  I had to seek out a new job at that point that had a group plan.  And the plan the new job had, yup you guessed it.... Blue Shield.  And they then had to accept me as it was a group plan.

Frankly it's totally insane and makes no sense, but, unfortunately that is what you are going to be faced with. If the new job cannot put together a group health plan, I'm afraid you are going to be out of luck for a while.

I hope you find something because I know how scary it can be without health insurance.

Stephanie

Connie,

I belieive with healthcare reform, as of January 2011 they will no longer be able to deny you for pre-existing conditions.  Google the Healthcare reform, but I believe this will go into effect then.

I would also call the Department of Managed HealthCare in Sacramento and double check with them. 

Hope this helps.

Barb

You should be able to keep your old insurance under COBRA for 18 months. The rates are high but you wouldn't go without insurance.

when i lost my job i missed out on getting corba so i had to go thought  the state to get hi risk insurance and kaiser was one of them and blue cross I think kaiser was the less expensive one and they can not turn you down you may have to pay more like for me I pay 474.00 a mouth for a plan 1500/3500 plan we a 30.00 co pay that is 1500 deductible and 3500 out of pocket for the year.  

I can't remember the web site but if you call kaiser up they should tell you where to go and get it