Weight-Loss Surgery Bill Becomes Law

Law Changes Responsibility For Health Insurers

 

POSTED: 7:48 pm EDT July 15, 2008

 

 

Health insurers opposed the measure sponsored by state Sen. Bob Clegg, R-District 14, who lost over 100 pounds after having bariatric surgery at his own expense. They argued the mandate could result in higher premiums.

 

Clegg and other supporters said the procedure can cure diabetes and other ailments that cost insurers more over time. They also argued that excluding morbid obesity from insurance coverage is no different from excluding coverage for cancer, heart disease or multiple sclerosis

That's awesome news Nicole - thanks for posting that - I was just wondering if it was signed yet.

Ann

This is such great news!

I was excited to hear this---however, I was not impressed with WMUR's coverage of it.  I guess I am just 'sensitive'. I didn't like the way they said that "Insurers will now be required to cover this RISKY surgery."  I think it was the tone......  Hey insurers are required to cover cardiac bypass surgery---and my guess is that is far more risky!

Kudos to Sen. Clegg!  I think I am going to send him a thank you note!

Thanks for posting as well...this is indeed great news!!!  Thanks again to everyone who pitched in and helped (and everyone who put up with my billion posts about this issue!). 

Best regards,
Grant Sanborn
Portsmouth Regional Hospital
www.portsmouthhospital.com
Parkland Medical Center
www.parklandmedicalcenter.com

Great News and Thanks to Sen Bob Clegg.

My understanding is that the risk now is statistically about the same as gall bladder surgery.