Is obesity a pre-existing condition?

Okay, it may sound stupid, but I have to ask: If insurance won't pay for "pre-existing conditions," why do we have to prove we have been obese for at least five years? Also, can an insurance deny you because you have obesity as a pre-exist.? Like, make you wait for 12 months like they do with other pre-existings? Valarie

You are so right! They'll try to deny because of a pre-existing condition that they require you to have for five years -- the irony of it all!

Rarely is obesity the 'disease' that is being treated in and of itself. WLS is usually approved based on a comorbid(s) - set of diseases or illnesses or conditions caused by or exacerbated by obesity. So, if you have high blood pressure for 5 years - THAT can be considered pre-existing. But rarely is the obesity considered under that criteria. For example, I was clinically obese for 20+ years, but my high blood pressure had only occured within the last year prior to my WLS and it was barely controlled by meds - and not to the satisfaction of my doctor. I needed to get my weight down to control the blood pressure, but since I had a long standing history of obesity, it was unlikely I could get it down on my own. Hence I needed WLS to combat the HBP. Hope that helps. ~Toots