Self-pay...

Hello. I am one of the unlucky souls who have two insurance companies to choose from... neither of which will cover WLS. My husband's company is in Maryland, yet they have under 50 people and so they do not have to adhere to any of Maryland's wonderful WLS laws. My company is in D.C., which has no laws whatsoever, and they out and out won't cover any weight loss procedures. They will cover a nutritionist should I seek one to learn to eat right (as if I couldn't teach that class myself by now.) Looks like I will be doing the self-pay. I've heard there is a self-pay chat board? Can anyone point this out to me, or does this board right here encompass the selfpayers? My question has to do with obtaining a 3rd insurance choice on my own. If I desire surgery around September - November... would it do any good for me to go get my own individual plan with BCBS? Would a new plan cover me, or would this be ruled out due to "pre-existing condition" clauses? I figure having a 3rd plan for a year might be cheaper than paying for the entire surgery myself. Any advice? Thanks. (Oh... also... are appeals used only for a company who WILL cover WLS but denies one specific individual? or can these be successful when submitted to a company who flat out won't cover anyone?)

Hi Vicky! I'm sorry I don't know the answers to your questions but I was wondering how you found out if your state has any WLS laws? Is there a website with this information. I am in TN and trying to figure out if TN has any WLS laws because my insurance policy (BCBS of TN, PPO) has an exclusion to WLS. Btw, I think you can appeal even if there is an exclusion. Good luck and don't give up!!! Tammy

Actually, someone on this website told me and my nutritionist has mentioned other types of coverage laws MD has. There is supposed to be info here: http://www.obesitylaw.com/ but I haven't found any other than to email the people who work there. Sorry I can't be of more help.