Health ins. denied because of WLS?

We relocated to VA and I've been working at a state job, but am looking to quit this job and start my own business. My husband has his own business and we have been on the health ins. provided to me no questions asked by the state of VA because of my employment.

Now, I am concerned that I will have to "qualify" for privately purchased health ins. since I would not be auto. approved as part of a group. When my mother did this, she was turned down time and time again because of cancer she had a while back when covered under another plan. Has anyone had experience with being turned down because of WLS? I am almost 3 years out but did have a bowel obstruction last year that was related to the orig. surgery they think and have been struggling with anemia lack of iron absorption and have been getting iron infusions over the past year or so. So I have ongoing issues.

Thanks for any input.

Torrie

I have health thru my hubby ret from the service but I tried to get life ins & was turned down flat because of RYN ,WHAT THE HECK !!!!I am more healthy now & no meds before RYN just dnt understand the system ether

I know life ins. companies go by tables and charts to determine longevity, risk, etc. Wonder if there are studies showing that the RNY shortens life span? They would have to base their decision process on something other than having had a surgery in the past...I would hope. Like with smoking, all the studies have shown that life spans are reduced so it makes sense to turn down smokers or charge a higher premium.

Do you rem. if they gave you the option of high premium or just toally turned down?

Torrie

You may want to talk to an independent insurance Rep-- the kind that sells many different policies.  I used one when my son got too old to be on my company insurance.  They seem to know what the regulations of all the companies are.

Michele

Thanks for the suggestion. It seems like there would be a co. out there who would take me on.

Torrie

I just got turned down for life insurance unless i wanted to pay double!  They told me I had to be five years out to get a lower rate.  I could not believe it.  I am glad we are military for health care because I can't even imagine what a pain it might be! I complain about having to wait a month to get an appointment. with a doctor...but wow...You are not the only one I hear this from and VA is not the only unreasonable state either!

Just thought I'd share...I have no answers

my RNY was in 2004- i was insured thru hubby's work-i looked into other ins afterwards cuz i thought he would retire- i was then told i had to be 3 yrs out--ok- fast fwd- he was let go in january this year (almost 4 yrs since my wls) and i was then told i have to be 5 years  out-not an option for higher premium--this was thru anthem..i have not checked other companies as it was too upsetting at the time and i don't have the money to pay a premium right now anyways! i have started to call independents but haven't the courage to face the A) rejections B) higher rates if offered.....



as for life ins- we signed up thru AARP in 2006 - which gave me a policy no questions asked- and my premium is based only on my age- and very reasonable for the coverage i have.

i cant speak for where u are, but in NJ as long as you have been insured without a gap in coverage, they cannot deny you new coverage for health insurance.

not sure about life insurance though.

hope it all works out for you

jacki

My surgery was covered under my husbands insurance in 2006 when he was working. After he retired we couldnt afford to keep the insurance ( $1200 a month ) he is a vetern and gets 100% health care at the VA clinic. I tried getting insurance for myself but was denied by every company. I was told you had to be 5 years out, because I may develop complications. I couldnt believe it, I am 100 pounds smaller with no health problems. I ended up going with the high risk company called HIRSP there website is www.hirsp.com . You have to have I believe 3 denial letters. The premiums are a little high mine was $312 a month but the insurance is really good, and better than nothing. I have since got a part time job with group insurance no questions asked so I cancelled the hirsp plan.  Please check it out, no one should go without insurance, you never know what can happen and then you would lose everything. Debra