can't get private insurance b/c I had gastric bypass!!!

I had RNY lap surgery in July 2004, it was very successful, I lost over 250 pounds and never had any complications or problems. I am now healthy, havent gained my weight back after 3 years, on no medications for anything and have no medical issues. So what's my problem? I have a job that doesnt include benefits, so I was trying to purchase individual medical insurance, and I have been denied by 7 insurance companies BECAUSE I had gastric bypass. Does anyone have any information that might help? I can't be without health insurance!

Congratulations on your successful weight loss. Sorry to hear about the insurance companies. That just isn right. You are healthy. You think most wont cover ou because you are unhealthy. Who will ever understand these stupid health insuranc companies. I know there is one I see on T.V all the time but I cant think of the name. If I hear it again I will let you know. Good luck Kelly

Congratulations on your success and good health! I read an OH member post this same problem before. Maybe if you post on the main board you can get a better response. http://obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/ I just don't understand these insurance companies anymore. Did they say why they don't accept anyone with a gastric bypass surgery? Do they think we will have major issues down the line? Good luck and I hope and pray yu find someone. Hugs Cira

Posting on the main board is a good idea. Also post on the weight loss graduates board . Since I am an Obesity Help Leader, I will also make a post on the leader board to see if I can find anything out for you. The leaders here at Obeisity help are great advocates with loads of information. I have heard that insurance company's won't insure and I have also heard that after a certain period of time they will insure. I was almost certain that it was a three year post op window. I am wondering why ???? I will be curious to hear what you discover once you start posting on other boards. Makes me wonder if this is something that needs to get taken care of in the political forum. Please keep us posted because sooner or later it could affect all of us. IE; when we change job and/or retire. This is a critical health care issue. It might not be a bad idea for all of us to explore this issue with others even if it is casually from within our support groups. Sorry Debra

Valerie, I accidently replied to Kelly with the following information in case she forwards it to you! Anyway, check out MHIP (Marland Health Insurance Plan (866) 780-7105, http://www.marylandhealthinsuranceplan.state.md.us/ ) You only have to qualify for one of several reasons why you can't get individual insurance, and one of them is to be rejected by 3 companies within 6 months, so you should qualify. When my late husband's COBRA health insurance ran out for me, I was rejected by 3 companies for medical insurance (even though I could afford to pay for it) due to weight and arthritis. Since the state of MD cannot not reject you due to pre-existing conditions, I was able to be covered by them. I have been very pleased with the friendliness of their staff and the choices of coverage I have. You can change your choice once a year if you decide to change to a different type of plan (i.e. ppo vs. hmo). Their coverage also includes prescriptions. Plus they accept their list of doctor's AND any doctor's on the NCPPO (link on their website) listings (lots more). I never had to change any doctor's. I hope this information has helped you and that you will be able to get coverage that will satisfy you. Gerry in Manchester, MD ([email protected]).