Question:
BEEN TURNED DOWN BY CARRIERS DUE TO WLS SURGERY

ANY ONE KNOW OF A COMPANY THAT I CAN GET INSURANCE FROM? AFTER I QUIT MY JOB TO SELF EMPLOYMENT I ALSO CANCELED MY INSURANCE THINKING I'D HAVE NOT PROBLEM OBTAINING NEW COVERAGE. BOY WAS THAT THE SINGLE STUPIDEST THING I'VE EVER DONE (DON'T TELL MY EMPLOYEES THAT). ANYONE HERE?    — barbsbasic (posted on August 19, 2003)

August 19, 2003
Two springs ago I was trying to find an individual policy in my state that would cover WLS. Found I couldn't get on any policy at all except the state mandated high risk pool ones (total junk IMHO). At that time through this group I met another lady in my state who also was seeking insurance. She had something like an old JIB like 20 years before and they were refusing her access also because of it. Just letting you know that you're not alone. I've also heard that life insurance for several years can also be hard to obtain. I'd keep on checking around and applying for insurance. If all fails you might have to take a part time job (I know almost impossible owning your own business) in order to get on insurance again. Hope you can find a way.
   — Shelly S.

August 19, 2003
If it has been less than 18 months since you left your job, you might go back and see if you can obtain COBRA. They may have you back pay for the months missed. Then while on COBRA see if you can switch to individual coverage with your insurer. Since you would already be covered they should be able to convert you to a personal policy. Crossing my fingers for you.
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 19, 2003
Just wanted to make a comment on MaryB's post. You only have 60 days from when your coverage ends or from when they send you an election notice (whichever is later) to elect COBRA.
   — Susan B.

August 20, 2003
Have you tried your congressperson or Senator? It sounds very discriminatory to me and Congress is the only body of law that can change/affect the insurance industry. I'd at least write to your representatives and cc the insurance co that is turning you down. Even our surgeons are having a hard time obtaining malpractice insurance, which they have to have to operate in a hospital, as insurance companies consider these surgeries high risk so even if the doctors have a perfect track record and no deaths, they are either being refused coverage or have to pay outrageous sums to obtain. Its driving surgeons out of the bariatric profession.
   — Cindy R.