Question:
12 months post-op and I am uninsurable!

My husband is about to accept a new job that will pay him really well and will also allow me to be a stay-at-home mom with our 2 year old daughter. However, his company will not provide group health insurance and so we have been shopping around for individual family plans. Well, they have all told me that they will not insure me because of my surgery. Does anybody have any suggestions? I live in Texas. Are there any companies out there that will insure me?    — lmrose (posted on June 7, 2007)

June 7, 2007
Oh for heaven's sake! When is the insurance industry racisim going to stop against such a wonderful tool that has helped so many? Have you tried State Farm? Don't they provide home, health, auto insurance? Or prudential? Maybe even check with DFCS (dept of family and child services) and tell them your problem, they should be able to steer you in the right direction and give you more information. Also contact the Insurance commissioner in your state and let him know this. He may not be aware of it and may be able to help. Here's the link to the national insurance commissioner list. http://www.naic.org/state_web_map.htm Good luck!
   — crystalsno

June 7, 2007
I was a little over 1 year post-op and was able to only buy insurance from Blue Cross Blue Shield of AZ. I did have to sign a pre-exsisting condition waiver related to my gastric bypass. That was the only way I could get insured so I signed it. Luckily, I have not had any complications at all. Good luck.
   — mrwolnik

June 7, 2007
I am 2 years out and also uninsured. I didn't have insurance prior to the surgery and paid cash for my operation(with borrowed money) I am self employed and live in Los Angeles , Ca. The main reason I didn't have a plan prior to surgery was because I was rate High risk due only to my weight...no other problems or issues(no high blood pressure ,etc...) And with the cost of High risk insurance being over $700 a month for just me, I just could afford it. So I did with out and now that my weight /height ratio is in the exceptable range 185, 5'6 , I can't get insurance . They say it's because I had the surgery. What is with this country and it's health insurance industry? You do something to help your self and still get penalized for . I am going to apply in another month to Atena. and see what they have to say. A few companies total me the farer out you are the better chance of getting it. Good Luck If I find any insurance I will pass on the information and may be it may help you...different states, different rules.
   — jpcal

June 7, 2007
Hi all, It's been my understanding that if you're covered by one health insur company (for example, during bypass time) and you're covered right up to the date you get a new health insurance, that the company can NOT claim pre-existing on you. It's when you have a gap, of even a day, that they can do that legally.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 7, 2007
I have no answer to your question, I am just in total disbelief! I can't even believe what I am reading! WHY in God's name would we be uninsurable AFTER surgery? That makes absolutely NO SENSE. Having had surgery (any type!!) is not a pre-existing condition! so if you had had your gall bladder out, or surgery for an ulcer or something, are they, too, "uninsurable conditions"?? This is just ridiculous! We, as Americans, so need a better healthcare plan all around! I hope everything works out well for you & you do find some insurance for your family, it is a total shame that you need to be going thru this rigamarole.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 8, 2007
I'm not an advocate of this -- LIE! and then write your congress person. Health care insurance is suppose to be a hot topic in the upcoming elections -- let's turn on the heat and write our elected representatives. The insurance companies need to be brought down a notch or two -- then they'll start insuring everyone because they'll need the money. Also, check with your states insurance laws to see if it's legal for them to do what they are doing.
   — the7thdean