Obtaining Private Health Insurance Post WLS

Okay, I've been round and round about this -- but here's what I found: 1) Pre-op I was too heavy to be covered under Anthem BC/BS -- so I was denied! (Although I got coverage for DH & kids) 2) Self-paid for my WLS in April and now I'm only merely 'overweight' (pounds still dropping). 3) Reapplied to BC/BS and was DENIED! Because I have had WLS! WHAT? I was told that I can reapply after FIVE YEARS!!!! Yikes. That really truely stinks. I have found that Cover Colorado will cover me -- they can't deny anyone. Nice safety net for those who need insurance and can afford to pay. However they want $500/mo for just me. It's a decent policy -- but way too expensive. Just wanted to share my experience and find out if anyone has other ideas for my current delima. Thanks for letting me spew! Lola

Hi, Lola! Regarding your purchasing an individual policy, I think you are going to find that the premiums are going to be very high. Unfortunately, that is something that you are probably going to have to get accustomed to. My main concern for your case is to ensure that you are getting a policy that has as little out of pocket as possible. I was looking at the Cover Colorado Web site, and I noticed that a lot of their plans have high deductibles. That is something that you might want to consider when purchasing your plan. If you have a $1,500 deductible (although most insurance carriers provide an health reimbursement account to help to meet the deductible), that deductible is most likely going to apply to most, if not all, medical services under the plan's coverage. In reality, you are going to be spending a lot more money upfront than you will have expected. Moreover, check the details of the policy (e.g. the summary of benefits) to see if the coverage is as comprehensive as you need it to be. A sad situation is to purchase the policy and pay so much each month to find out that many of the procedures you require will not be covered. Tread very cautiously and make sure you know what you are getting. I hope this assisted you. Respectfully, Xavier Derico-Smith