Question:
Does this seem like obesity dscrimination?

My insurance complany, PHP of MI, has recently started to pay for WLS. However, they make you pay $1000 for it. For no other surgery does my policy require any copayment. If an alcoholic needed a liver transplant, s/he would not have to pay anything. I am so glad that they now cover the surgery, and of course will pay the $, but doesn't it seem somewhat punitive?    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on October 5, 2002)

October 5, 2002
Ask your insurance what their policy is on treatment of anorexia(spelling?). If they dont have to pay a copayment then I would call it descrimination. If they will treat you if you cant gain weight they can treat you if you do.
   — Angie L.

October 5, 2002
Be glad you only have to pay $1000! I paid around $8000 between surgical fees (out of network surgeon) and the remaining balances on medical bills. Not to mention the extra $1000 I paid for the hotel for 9 nights... :o)
   — Jennifer A.

October 6, 2002
Many companies have written exclusions as part of their insurance policies. It's an expensive procedure to cover. I would imagine that the $1,000.00 co-pay is your company's way of "compromising" and allowing gastric bypass surgery to be a covered procedure. Just my .02.
   — Pam S.

October 6, 2002
I have 3 words. Count Your Blessings.
   — Julie D.