Question:
I can get an individual PLAN if i LIE about my weight, should I???

I HAVE TWELVE YEARS OF DOCUMENTED WEIGHT LOSS ATTEMPTS. BC/BS OF TN WILL PAY FOR THE SURGERY ON INDIVIDUAL PLAN IF MEDICALLY NECESSARY. I HAVE MANY CO-MORBIDITIES. THE PROBLEM IS I HAVE TO LIE THAT I AM 50 LBS LIGHTER THAN I REALLY AM TO GET COVERAGE, THEN I HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 3 MONTHS SO IT LOOKS LIKE I GAINED WEIGHT AFTER ANOTHER "ATTEMPT". I HAVE STARTED A BUSINESS TO GET GROUP COVERAGE, IT FELL THROUGH-TRIED CHANGING JOBS, STILL A NO-GO    — stephanie L. (posted on August 29, 2001)

August 29, 2001
Hi Stephanie - I'm an insurance agent and I know how underwriters look at individual policies. Unlike group coverage, you'll be underwritten, possibly with a minor medical exam, so your weight would be documented. On the chance that an exam wouldn't be required, presenting them with a weight loss claim would definetly make them go back & check their records. In the end, I don't think it would work. You could be documented for filing a fradulent claim, and that could dog you later as files on that sort of thing are kept with the Medical Insurance Bureau (MIB). Insurers all over the country have access to MIB, so I think you'd do yourself a dis-service if you tried this. I know how frustrated you must feel, but you don't need more problems, and this plan would be sure to give them to you.
   — scottiemaam O.

August 29, 2001
Absolutley not.. I can't see how it would work at all.
   — [Anonymous]

August 29, 2001
THANKS, YOU GUYS...
   — stephanie L.