Rejected for health insurance because I have a lap band

They can terminate your policy for falsifying your medical history on your application and omitting information is considered falsifying. 

edited to add: This was in response to Jessica4Bama's response saying she had omitted her lap band surgery from her health insurance application...

I would think if you don't tell them and then have issues, they will consider that pre-existing and not cover.  But I don't know bout insurance companies...they confuse me real good! 

You being healthier should be a plus tho!

good luck in your search

I can't get individual health insurance because I've had infertility treatments.  The whole pre-existing condition problem is a BIG one.  Once the regulations go into effect that prevent companies from denying you based on a pre-existing condition (I think Septmenber of this year?) you should apply again.

I TOTALLY feel your pain though.  It's asinine.

As a self pay individual I looked into this topic before I went ahead with my surgery.  I have really good coverage through work, even though WLS is not part of our program.  Here is what I found in my research that allowed me to feel good about going ahead with being banded:

"There are key differences between individual and group insurance plans. Individual health insurance plans were designed to provide insurance to unemployed or self-employed persons not covered under their employer's plan. In some cases, individual insurance can be difficult to obtain at any price. People with pre-existing, previously diagnosed, or treated health problems seeking new health insurance policies are considered high-risk by insurance companies, and may be unable to find affordable health insurance or any health insurance at all.

On the other hand, group insurance plans, which provide coverage for two or more individuals, cannot single out high-risk individuals; nor can they deny them health coverage. All individuals are covered regardless of their existing health problems, and high-risk individuals are factored into the total cost of the group plan"

Hope this helps. 

Depending on your state you may be able to get affordable coverage through the PCIP program. In some states it's federally run, but most are state run.

In my state (Kansas) it's run by the state. It's different in Kansas from the KHIA program, which has been in existance for years prior to the Affordable Care Act. KHIA was going to charge me 657 dollars/month, but PCIP is under 200 dollars/month.

It is high deductible but in my experience, they cover everything. You'll need a letter of denial from another insurance company and/or a letter from your doctor verifying your pre-existing condition.

The website for the program is here: https://pcip.gov/StatePlans.html

The law that prevents insurers from denying you for pre-existing conditions doesn't take effect until 2014, and thats if it can escape challenge til then. It's a stupid system in this country, honestly. I didn't have half this trouble with the federal program in Canada, and I was there on a work visa.

Thanks for this info.  From what I found it's going to cost double to insure me than my entire family.  LOL  And Crazy since my husbands parents have both had cancer.  Wasn't the lap band suppose to help my health.  (grin)
Jen

 Insurance policies can still decline you due to pre-existing conditions as that reform doesn't start until 2014. however, now that you have been denied insurance on the private market, you are eligible for PCIP (pre-existing condition insurance plan). You can go to PCIP.gov and it will direct you to the right site for your state. For PCIP you have to have been uninsured for 6 months or longer and be unable to get insurance on the private market (or denied coverage for your condition). 

Insurance companies are getting so strict about everything now days :o( .  My dad owns his own company and he just got informed anybody smoking that is on his policy can be denied insurance !!!!!   They are starting to get onto the smoking thing now to.

And its just not lapbands they wont cover .  On his policy its any WLS it dont matter what kind it is and they have to be 4 yrs plus for them to be covered .

I feel your pain with the insurance! I just purchased Life insurance for my Wife & Granddaughter and myself, I paid the premiums and all. The other day I received a letter from the company telling me that I am not insurable because I have the Band. I'm pissed ! If something happens to me GOD Forbid the family will be screwed... Insurance company's suck!