Question:
I need to get insurance.

I live in Columbus, Ohio. I've been accepted into the bariatric program at Mt. Carmel. I need to get insurance, but I'm afraid that no one will insure me at this weight (Guessing 450+). Can anyone recommend an insurance company that will cover me and pay for the procedure?    — arruncomic (posted on August 30, 2008)

August 30, 2008
Bill, You got a program to accept you without insurance? Interesting. I'm sorry, I don't have an answer to your question, I was a self pay myself. I just wanted to wish you good luck in your WLS challenge. Don't give up. The end result of saving your life is worth it... it just may take some time. Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

August 30, 2008
I don't have the best news, sorry. I spent two years looking for an insurance that would cover bariatric surgery and I could find no private insurance that included it. All the ones I found had to be a group insurance through a provider (except Medicaid through the state - which is dependent on your income). Also, I don't know of any that doesn't have a pre-existing clause - which means if you have a pre-existing conditions (obesity) at the time you apply, any treatment for it is not covered for several months (varies by insurance). Something you might check into - I got mine covered by the State's Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. It took me a couple years, however, to get them to agree - and ultimately it was approved because I had tried everything else AND because I needed the surgery in order to continue performing my job. I hope you are able to find something - and maybe there is something out there I am unaware of. Best of luck!
   — Wendy M.

August 30, 2008
Hi Bill, I dont mean to ask to much oersonal, but. Are you working now? If not, are you able to apply for state ins? I had/have Florida medicaid. As long as I did ALL the requirments for them they covered my surg. and I have the most wonderful DR possible. I had to spend 1yr doing all the pre-requirments. If you need any more info on this I would be happy to help guide you how to shorten the time frame. Contact me at [email protected]. Wish you and any others the VERY BEST if luck! Julie
   — tootsie52