Question:
Has anyone been denied for insuranse coverage post-op? I'm self employed and 4 post

My husband am I have been denied by every company that our agent offers. I had WLS over 4 years ago. I am very healty 5'5" and 135lbs. I have never had any complications, but I am considered "high risk" because I have had surgery in the past. Can anyone offer any advice?    — TiffBull (posted on June 21, 2006)

June 21, 2006
I was self pay for my RNY 3 1/2 years ago because I had no insurance. I just recently got married this past August, my husband put me on his health insurance, and they never asked anything about my health, and so far Ive had 2 surgeries this past April due to complications from my RNY (yes 3 years out) Cigna is our insurance, and there great.. good luck,, Amy
   — Amy Hoffman

June 21, 2006
Good Gosh I hope this is not true Tiffany!! I know it must be or yu would not have said it. just another hurdle for anyone who has been overweight to have to go through. Haven't we suffered enough??? I wish you all the best, but you might have to step outside of your agent to find coverage. I did and it cost me $489.00 a month to have Blue Cross Blue Shield. They were the only ones I could find who would takeme because I was on so many psych meds for my bipolar.
   — MCraig3

June 21, 2006
I would try to find another job for the insurance. You could probably still find some time for your self employment. Or your husband should find one. It would be a whole lot cheaper and if your join through your employer, they cannot turn you down, at least I don't think so, some may exclude a health issue for a year.
   — geneswife

June 23, 2006
I've been an insurance agent for 13 years. I can tell you for a fact that you are right about "underwritten individual health". It is a permanent decline for all companies. I am over 3 years post-op and can't even write myself a policy. The company I was working for when I had my RNY had group coverage, the company I am working for now considers us independent producers so we don't have a group policy. What I have done is written an "accident policy" on myself and purchased a discount plan for the "sickness" side. However, there are two additional options for you as a self-employed person. 1. your state will have a High Risk Pool that is guaranteed health insurance coverage it is mandatory with the HIPPA laws passed in 1999. It will be more expensive, but at least it is coverage. 2. Hire your husband and set up payroll or incorporate and make him an officer in your business. Then you can get small group coverage which is also guaranteed issue. You may have a rate increase, but it is capped depending on your state's statues. Oklahoma is 68% for example. Hope that helps you. Hugs from your Okie friend.........
   — wealthgvr

June 23, 2006
I can not get insurance (individual policy) that is not just the catastrophic type insurance. They make me fill out a form, and if I have ever had this or that...doesn't ask what I have now or don't have....I'm declined. We are retired, so we can't even afford medical for me right now. I'm trying to stay glued together for the next year and a half until I qualify for medicare. They don't want me unless I'm 100% healthy, and never had a health problem. I know my situation doesn't help you at all, but it's just a vent. Hope you have better results than I did in the insurance game. Regards
   — Statuesque

September 3, 2006
You could try going to your Chamber of Commerce. They oftentimes offer group health insurance to self employed people who join the Chamber. If you are in a buburb of a larger city you can join that one, at least in my area you dont have to reside in the city to join their Chamber. Good luck!
   — LovelyLoser