Insurance Help?

Hi there! This is my first post....and the title says it all! Dealing with insurance is completely obnoxious! My insurance company, Blue Cross/Blue Shield has said they will not pay (not in letter/denial status - it's simply an exclusion). So, I'm interested in finding a private insurance that I can purchase as an individual that does not exclude bariatric procedures. Does anyone have any suggestions/know of any insurance plans/providers that would be suitable? Thanks in advance for any information! Mistie

Hi Mistie, Just some thoughts... Have you talked to your HR department regarding purchasing a rider to your current insurance? When they say excluded does this also include if it is found medically necessary. Sometimes it's just a matter of having your PCP write a letter saying it is in fact medically necessary. Unless it was through a company pre-op I was always turned down for insurance just based on weight. I'd suggest getting on through an employer (they rarely ask for medical history, weight, etc.) Some states have insurance policies you can purchase through the state insurance commissioner's office http://www.cobrahealth.com/statehighriskpools.html or there's financing to self pay (in the states or like I did SOTB) I can give you some financing sites links if that would help. ~Michelle OH Member Services

Mistie, You'll have no luck if you have BC/BS of Mississippi. They are so backwards. GRRR I had BC/BS of Minnesota and they covered it, but MS won't. It's stupid. Anyway, I don't know of any plans that you can purchase individually. I do know however that years ago when we lost our insurance and tried to purchase an individual plan, I couldn't get coverage because I was 75 pounds overweight. I had no health problems, but they wouldn't cover me. They also wouldn't cover my son because he had Asthma. Insurance companies infuriate me! Don't get me started! LOL If you are determined to try and find a private plan, I'd call a company like Lincoln or something that can find you different policies with different companies. They are in Jackson. I'd also look into just financing it. You may actually come out cheaper. It's about the price of a car, so I imagine it wouldn't be just terrible. Hopefully someone else has a better idea. If push comes to shove... find a different job! LOL I laugh, but I know people who've done it! Good luck and keep us posted! HUGS Kimberly

Mistie, I have the same insurance and the same problem. If you have any luch please let me know maybe we can do this together.