Senate Bill 597

I was just wanting to ask how the bill presentation and discussion went today? I pray that you felt the spirits of those of us behind you that couldn't make it there to talk. God Bless You for being our voice.

Kimberly - Thanks for posting this follow-up regarding the all-important legislation. Dannielle, To Kimberly's follow-up post.........Ditto for me too! Thanks so much! Cathy ObesityHelp Support Group Specialist

I would love to say that I believed that the bill would be passed ,however I don't believe it will.There were only 3 of us on the "for" side -( 2pre-op and 1 post op)plus the senator who sponsored the bill Senator Rita Days. There were however representatives from several insurance companies. I kept an open mind and listened to their objections and understand some of their concerns. The bill is very open to doctor discretion therefore whatever form of treatment the doctor prescribed would have to be paid for by the insurance company under the mandate. Too broad a spectrum. The rep from my insurance company did however make a point to pull me aside after the hearing and give me some information about some steps he felt I could take and even gave me his card and took my email address. I was pretty impressed with his actions. Senator Days was fantastic. She is an awesome lady and I love to have her in my corner on any issue. She feels very strongly about this issue and I believe she will eventually make this happen,I just don't know what year it will be. There was really only one insurance rep who acted like it was cosmetic and we were just lazy. The rest of the reps concerns were all about the almighty dollar. Don't stop the prayers because miracles do happen but I don't think this prayer will get a yes just yet. Thanks for all the support and you can still email and write the senators on this bill--it hasn't gone to vote. They need to hear from as many of us as possible to get a better idea of how many we represent. Thanks again, Dannielle