Insurance coverage

Hi all! I know this has been addressed before, but just thought there might be someone with recent experience that might be able to help. I have a small business in town...2-5 employees. I'm looking at purchasing health insurance for the company, but my primary goal is to have a plan that covers lap-band surgery. I had PacificSource quote me, but their handbook information says that they exclude surgeries that are related to obesity and weightloss. Does anyone know of a good insurance to contact that doesn't look at obese people as an outcast to society?

I'm sorry I can't help with the Insurance thing, but I had to say "HOORAY" for you, it is very nice that you want to purchase INS for the company...it is good...anyway, good luck on your search! Jen

I have heard that United Health is a good one. I don't have personal experience with them. I have, however, had personal experience with PacificSource and they do not, under any cir****tances, cover weight loss surgery. Period. No exceptions. Good luck and let us know what you find. My husband and I are starting a business and will have one employee to start and more soon. So we'll be in the same position as you in a few months. Thanks and good luck! Vena Williams

Hi Vena. Thanks for the response. I've been 'interviewing' difference insurance companies. You're right. Pacific Source will not cover the surgery no matter what. I checked out Pacific Care (they recently merged with United Health Care)...the rep from Pacific Care said they use to cover WLS, but have an exception now for that since (as they put it...) "it seems like everyone just wants to use the surgery instead of actually trying to lose weight...we can't afford for everyone to have the surgery so we've excluded all WLS surgery. We don't feel it's a good use of insurance funds." I was so upset. I did a little more research and currently have a quote request in with Regence of Oregon, Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I found an article while scrolling through their website that said that Effective April 1, 2006 they will be covering different types of Bariatric surgery that was deemed medically necessary. I found that to be at least a little hopeful. They do have medical plans for small businesses that are 2-50 employees.