Question:
Is morbid obesity considered pre-exsisting?

I've only been covered on my husband's insurance since May 1,1999. It's BC/BS PPO. Will my obesity be considered a pre-exsisting condition? I want to have surgery, but I'm so afraid of being denied.    — Lisa P. (posted on June 16, 1999)

June 16, 1999
Pre-existing means that you have been treated for something within a specific time frame, it does not mean that the condition existed, just if you were treated for it. If they ask, tell them you just found out that you were overweight and were just as surprised as they were! :) So, the bottom line, in most cases, if you have not been treated for that diagnosis within 6 months (check your insurance book) then it is not considered pre-existing. And if you have been treated within their time frame, then after a certain period of time on their insurance (like a year) the condition is covered. Call them and ask... thats what they are there for. Good Luck Mary Anne
   — Mary Anne M.

June 17, 1999
In order to quality for the surgery, you must show that you attempted with Medical Supervision, to lose weight. That fact, in and of itself, guarantees that the condition will be pre-existing. However, if you switched carriers (instead of going long periods of time without coverage), the new carrier has to suspend the pre-existing clause for anything the prior carrier treated, if there was no interruption of coverage between the first carrier and the second carrier.
   — Deborah L.