Question:
Insurance after surgery

I went and got the job I have for the insurance so I could have the surgery. My husbands insurance that I was on before wouldn't cover it. I want to quit my job after surgery which means going back on my husbands insurance. If I have problems will they cover that? Are your follow up appointments included in the initial charge or are they charged to your insurance as you go? [email protected] * surgery date Feb. 22    — JoyFines (posted on January 18, 2006)

January 18, 2006
I'd seriously think this out before dropping your hubby's insurance. You realise that once you do if you wanted to go back it is most likely not to happy since you have prexisting conditions. If they took you back you would be back at ground zero with most of your medical problems that exsist not covered anymore. If the surgury is like all the other ones I've had it's as you go for your appointments and f/u's. Good luck.
   — Deborah Joyner

January 18, 2006
i had my surgery done at a bariatric center and all the visits no matter how many you need are covered in the price
   — hjdj70

January 18, 2006
I work in the healthcare industry and I can tell you every insurance plan is different. I have never heard of a program paying for every visit no matter what- however most plans/progarms will pay for regualr scheduled follow-up for the first 6 months. That typically is only 2 office visits. If you switched plans, the industry standard is to consider that surgery and any attributed complications to it as a pre-exsisting condition. That may run you into trouble depending on the typr of complication. For example- if you have trouble with dehydration and require hospitlization, it may be covered. But if it gets coded as part of mal-nutrition from surgery it may not be covered. Another example- if CT scan is needed to check for twisted intestine or blockage post-surgery that may not get covered. Just think about it. You may find much of that information on the insurance company's website or ask to speak with a case manager. Now the flip side. With some companies if you can prove you have 12 months of continuous uninteruppted medical coverage they will waive waiting periods and pre-exsisting conditions. But since you will have dropped that plan to pick it up later- they may screen claims carefully. Just check things out before deciding. I am grateful for my surgery and I can't think of much I wouldn't have done to make it happen. So I wish you the absolute best. Sounds like you are very resourceful. Email me if you need anything.
   — ppaige

January 19, 2006
I suggest that you check with your husband's insurance company for this answer. I am a Plan Administrator for my employer. Insurance companies that I have dealt with will exclude the pre-existing conditions clause as long as you have had continuous healthcare coverage for over a year with NO lapses in coverage.
   — lasias