Question:
If you change Insurance companies post-op do they consider it pre existing?

My husband may be changing jobs, if he does he will still have bc/bs will they consider my surgery a pre-existing condition and not cover any post op requirements? I need to know if I need to wait and see what happens with this job before having surgery or if it will not be a problem. Any one out there had this experience? Help!    — Linda C. (posted on April 30, 2002)

April 30, 2002
The HIPPA law says that, as long as you have been continuously covered for the previous six months, a new insurance company cannot consider anything pre-existing! Also, many states have laws even more strict than this. I changed insurance companies 2 months post-op and have had no trouble getting coverage for various complications such as a hernia, and also getting my post-op blood tests covered. This is pretty impressive, considering the fact that the insurance company I'm with now has a "no obesity surgery" exclusion.
   — Terissa R.

April 30, 2002
Linda, I've asked this question before. If memory serves me correctly, they can't consider it pre-existing if you have had constant medical coverage...even then, I think you're allowed a certain amount of time (say between jobs) without medical coverage...I think this is like 30-90 days. But, don't quote me on that! I will be checking this question frequently to see what others have to say.
   — Kristin R.

April 30, 2002
Actually, the HIPPA law states that as long as you have had continuous health insurance coverage for 12 consecutive months with no more then a 63 day gap without insurance, you are not subject to pre-existing.
   — Patty H.