Question:
Anyone know of an insurance group that will give medical coverage to a WLS post op?

Ive been denied medical insurance coverage because they say i am a high-risk patient because of my gastric bypass surgery. They will cover me for $800/month only with an incredibly high deductible. Anyone know of a group that will give me medical insurance that i can actually afford? Or does anyone have any suggestions for me? Help!!!    — Greer K. (posted on July 8, 2005)

July 8, 2005
Do you have Farm Bureau in your state? They handle BCBS and we have state mandated insurance which means that if you can not get coverage from any other insurance that they have to take you. My son had cancer and daughter had seizures so they were both put on this insurance. It wasn't real expensive either-under $300. I hope this gives you a little hope!!!! :)
   — Lezlie

July 9, 2005
Was this policy that denied you and individual policy? I was told after surgery that NO individual policy would cover me until 5 years post-op because I was 'high risk'. However, I have never had any problems with group coverage through my employer. We've gone through BCBS, United, and not Aetna and no one has denied me or given me a high deductible. Good luck!
   — KelBurt

July 9, 2005
If you have had no lapse in coverage they can not deny you without violating the law...since my surgery 2.5 yrs ago I have changed jobs twice...the first time I did not have another job lined up so I took COBRA coverage until I had coverage through my new employer. The second time I had a job already and used my hubbys coverage until my new ins. was effective and then his became secondary. I have learned to accept that the insurance situation is a priority over the money at least until I reach that magic mark...but I have heard of people being turned down later as well. If you do have a lapse...take the expensive insurance until you can find a job that has coverage...then they cant turn you down...than tou can find a cheaper insurance and ditch the job..that is the only thing I can think of, unless you have a low enough income to get a medical card.
   — hooterzgirl75

July 10, 2005
Lynn, the majority of HIPAA only applies to group coverage, not an individual policy.<br>Your best bet is to look into a state pool situation. Many states offer medical insurance to otherwise uninsurable people for more than a usual premium, but nowhere near what a private insurance company charges. I'm sorry I don't know where to tell you to look, but perhaps an independant insurance agent will be able to give you more information. I can understand your frustration, I'm in the same boat with life insurance.
   — RebeccaP