Health Insurance - Post Lap Band??

I had the lap band over three years ago.  I lost about 145 pounds in about a year and to date, have gained about 20 back,  The band was a big success for me even though I had to have a second surgery a couple of years ago due to slippage.  Check out my profile if you are interested in my story and pictures.  Enough of my history, now my problem. I am in great health, it's been over three years since my original surgery, and two since the repositioning of my band, but I have been denied by two health insurance companies for private insurance (not a group plan) due to a "history of laparoscopic banding."  And, I have found that with both companies, merely a history of lap band is a permanent reason for declination.  The two companies are Humana and United Healthcare.  Does anyone know of "lap band friendly" health insurance companies, post lab band?

Hi, Congrats on your success. Are you saying that because you used the lap-band to lose 145lbs., improve your health and probably eliminate some co-morbids, you are uninsurable?? Do you have insurance now?  Are you trying to get a better rate?  Sorry if I sound nosey, but I am shocked! I hope you get some positive feedback. Good Luck, Patty

That's exactly what I'm saying.  Makes no sense does it?

I am currently in a group plan (no underwriting was required).  I'm leaving my employer, starting my own business and am now looking for health insurance.  And, I'm finding I may be out of luck.

Doesn't the HIPAA of 2004 prevent Insurance cos. from doing that?(The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)  www.dol.gov/ebsa/newsroom/fshipaa.html Check out this link to the Dept of Labor fact sheet. I hope this helps. My family had to get health insurance thru our local chamber of commerece, when my husband was self employed. It comes with a big price tag. Can you stay on your present plan using COBRA benefits for a time? again... Good Luck, Patty

Patty, HIPAA applies to group plans offered through employers and does not have any substantial effect on privately carried health plans ... well except to make insurers much more "cautious" or choosy in who they will cover under self-paid (i.e., not group) plans.

I can stay on COBRA for 18 months.  My state (Louisiana) sponsors  a high risk insurance plan for people who are denied coverage.  The costs are high and the coverage stinks.  It pays 75% of covered costs, up to $100,000 per year.  If I have health problems arise, $100k will not go very far.

And that's after a $5000 deductible.

You're not alone. I've heard that it can be difficult to find companies that will insure people who have had weight-loss surgery. It's so frustrating because they are actually insuring MUCH healthier people! But with rising health costs, private insurance companies are getting more and more selective. Many also won't insure people who have obesity either...or people who have had any past surgeries. It's ridiculous. I personally believe that as more and more studies show that people who have had wls live long healthy lives without necessarily more health complications; insurance companies will become more willing to extend their policies. In the mean time, if you do find a good private insurance company, you should post about it on this site because I know there are others in your shoes.

This is not good news.  When I start my business I will not be able to get insurance?  What an outrage.