Question:
Swiching insurance policies, rules, regulations, penaties? Help

I have Cigna HMO now and do qualify physically and mentally, but don't have much documentation on past diets. My surgeon hasn't sent in for cigna's approval yet. I can switch to UnitedHealthCare Open Access HMO. Is it a good idea to swich, and are there any rules, regulations, or penaties on switching insurance. I tried asking my surgeon and they were unable to give me an answer. Any advice would be most appreciated. Thank You    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 5, 2001)

July 5, 2001
I would strongly recommend that you check out United Health Cares policies on pre-exsisting conditions. I don't know much about rule and such but I do know that they can deny your surgery based on pre-exsisting conditions. As far as not having much previous diet documentation, I had minimal and was still approved. If you qualify ie: comorbidities, weight is high enough etc I don't really think that the past diet attempts will make that much of a difference. You don't want to lie to the insurance company, be honest, show them a history of obesity and see what they say before you change insurance companies.
   — Janet R.