Question:
~Getting legislation passed In Ohio~

Hi everyone, Ive not posted in awhile, but I have been very busy working on trying to get legislation passed in Ohio. I recieved my 3rd Denial today from John Alden(No Big Surprise to me) but still stings a little ( I know you all know what I mean).My husband is taking the new job, and we havent gotten a chance to look at the new policy, but we do have 3 to pick from, So im still crossing my fingers. But what I really wanted to post about, was the laws in Ohio,and other states. I have contacted my governor, my lt.governor, and everyone else, including both of my reps for my area. I have gotten some good response, and the people ive spoken to have not only been very considerate, and caring, but very helpful. I am going to try with the help of other people to get legislation passed, such as Ga, and Indiana has. I Name those two states, because those are the two I know have it, or at least Ive found information on the internet, so Im hoping that information is true. It is SO Important for all of us to educate our public officials, and get involved....LAWS Change things, and lets face it, if we dont stand up and YELL who will??? You need to make your concerns, and your feelings heard, and You need to demand for help,and keep at it.Ive wrote letters, and have called about every week so far, and I will continue to do so, until someone hears me, or does something about it. Even if I have to take the story to the Media I will do so, but somehow, someway..We have to educate people, doctors, public officials..I know Im ranting and raving, but If I dont, who Will *Smiles*. I ENCOURAGE YOU, I ASK YOU, I PLEAD THAT you will take the time to get ahold of your public officials, If not by Email,Snail mail, and Phone. Take a few minutes, and make the difference of a life time for someone. It doesnt just have to be morbidly obese people, it can be friends, and family..Well wish me luck!!Im Still up on my soap box *Grin*.    — Ann A. (posted on April 18, 2000)

April 18, 2000
Hi Ann, I am sorry to hear that you were once again denied by your insurance carrier. Maybe you will be able to find help through one of the new companies from your husband's job. I am from GA & I am having problems with coverage due to an exclusion in my policy. Although there was an attempt last year to pass a bill on anti-discrimantory morbid obesity in Ga., it was never officially passed. It was suggested but never became an official law. It was suggested that insurance companies may cover morbid obesity, but they are not required to do so. I guess I will also have to try to fight to help myself & others in my state who are battling with this same problem. I have not been officially denied by letter but was told over the phone that it would not be approved. I have not contacted my representatives or other government officials but I plan to do so. Good Luck to you as you work to make things better in your state & please let me know of any suggestions that you might have for me as I work in Ga. God Bless.
   — Vickie K.

April 18, 2000
Dear Vicki, Just wanted to say thankyou for replying to my post, and I thought that I had all my facts straight..Im not sure If I do or not at this point, but I did return to the page I found the site on GA, and I See where the governor Did pass it...Ill post the URL and maybe someone can clarify it for me...I was hoping that Ga and Indiana had already passed the law, to make my fight with Ohio Officials a little easier..*Sigh* Maybe not..Someone a few months ago on this site posted the site for Indiana Senate Bill 0212. I Printed the page out, and didnt save the URL which I would love to have again, So anyone having the URL for that site please post it. Ok well Here is the page I found my Information on Ga, I Hope for your sake that it did pass, along with others in GA *smiles*... If not I Would encourage you to contact your officials, and Others to do the same..I hope I was a little help :o)*****Smiles***** Ga URL http://www2.state.ga.us/Legis/1999_00/leg/sum/sb24.htm
   — Ann A.

August 12, 2000
ASBS's lobbying activity in Washington may have helped, in a small way, in the overwhelming passage of the Patient Protection Act by the House of Representatives. The Senate will very likely scuttle the overall effort this year, but the effect of this action of the House is already being felt in our state of Oregon. The four largest local insurance companies have all agreed to voluntarily submit to an "outside" appeals process. Obviously, their eagerness to volunteer before a law can be passed means that they hope in this manner to be able to control that process better than it would be under the law as passed by the House. Nevertheless, it is another step forward.
   — Victoria B.