Question:
Is WLS considered a pre-existing condition?

I had VBG back on 3/4/08 and I've lost 93 lbs so far. I feel better than I've felt in many many years, no complications, and I'm about 18 lbs away from my goal. I don't regret my decision in the least. I have a hypothetical question, however. If I were to switch health insurnace at any point (new job, etc.), would my surgery be considered a pre-existing condition? Would it prevent me from being covered for anything--particularly if some day down the road something DID go wrong related to the surgery? Has anybody had any trouble like this? I'm just curious so at least I'm prepared mentally if it ever comes up.    — suezahn4me (posted on October 5, 2008)

October 4, 2008
I'm sorry, I don't know the answer. But that is a very good question and I will be waiting for the answer also. You have done a great job by the way!
   — CindyNNC

October 5, 2008
Under Federal Law you can now change jobs and not lose out as pre-existing HAVE TO BE COVERED....they have no choice.....but all insurance coverages have exclusions of some kind and that might come into play.....but even it it doesn't cover WLS ....it will have to cover complications from it if you have already had the surgery....this has not always been so but is now.
   — pphillips4720aol.com

October 5, 2008
I had surgery on 2/15/07. Quit my job on 12/7/07. Started my new job on 12/10/07. New insurance did not start until 2/1/08. I had to go on Cobra and have NO lapse in coverage. My research with my insurance (old) to the new insurance in the state I live in - I could have no break in coverage to ENSURE everthing would be covered. My advise is to know the laws in your state - find out about the new insurance company and your current one, etc. Be prepared. I find if I micro-manage everything concerning my healthcare it usually works out pretty well. Good luck.
   — jammerz

October 5, 2008
When my employer changed our insurance in January, it was a smooth rollover and NOTHING had changed ... We have been covered as though nothing changed at all. One of the benefits, though, was that I didn't have to pay for the second physical I had to have before my surgery because, as Blue Shield told me, it was Interplan who paid for the first one, not them ... So as far as BS was concerned, I hadn't had a physical at all. Does that make sense? Anyhow, someone was telling me that it is illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions ... They can, however, impose a 12-month waiting period before treatment for those conditions are covered. You might want to look into that further because I'm really not sure if it's state law, federal, etc ... I don't know a lot about it - only got the bare minimum info ... Sorry I can't be of more help, but hopefully this helps at least a little!
   — lauren_marie

October 5, 2008
I believe as long as you DO NOT let your insurance lapse, you would be covered for any medical problems, as long as your NEW insurance covers it. I know years ago we had to worry about pre-existing conditions, but they can not do that anymore as long as you do NOT let your insurance lapse! I believe if you go anytime without insurance, pre-existing will be EXCLUDED from coverage. Good Luck!
   — imaswtgrl