Insurance co. says all weight loss treatments are excluded

I called this am and talked to the insurance. They said that not only the surgery, but any and all weight loss treatments are completely excluded from the policy. The will not pay a penny for anything to do with it.  Well that stinks.  So I am off to do some research to see if I can find a way around this.  Anyone fought and won the insurance on an exclusion...?

I don't know what type of insurance you have. I do know some small companies that provide insurance will hav a disclaimer about wls. I think that Maryland has something about not excluding it. I wish I could help you. Good luck!

Sorry you are having to fight this battle. It truely is not fair. I think Aime is right. I believe there is a law passed in Maryland that says weightloss treatment must be in the policy but whether or not the WLS is covered depends on the surgery. I want to say that law was passed back in 2004. I would suggest calling your surgeons office and talk to the billing person, he or she would know the ins and outs of insurance. Insurance companies will do anything to discourage the people who pay into the policy and to keep it so insurance companies dont have to pay anything out. I would call and talk to someone and get the information so you can call your insurance company back armed with lots of information. Maybe that will help. Keep fighting though and don't give up.

Thank you ladies. Unfortunately this is a self funded insurance policy. Which I don't totally understand yet. But basically that means that myhusbands company pays the actual claims and the insurance company only underwrites the policy. Basically that means that they are exempt from the state mandates and laws for ins. and are only required to follow ERISA. The federal guidelines. Still working on finding a way around it though.

I feel your pain.  I live in Maryland but the insurance find office is in DC.  Optimium Choice has an exclusion for weight loss in DC.  this stinks.....I waited a year thinking as I was told eventually DC will follow suit with Maryland.  I can not wait any longer.  I want this surgery....so self pay is my option. Good Luck

I'm not a lawyer, but maybe these people (or the info on this site) can help? http://www.obesitylaw.com/ Good luck!

Thank you, I have been there and I am working the suggestions on that site now!  As a matter of fact I did talk to the ins. co again today and got some interesting information.  Much further than I got the other day! It's a start.