Question:
I have a question for all you guys, I am pre-op presently and was wondering,

I read alot of all kinds of "extra" surgeries that alot of people need to get, hernia repair, torn pouch, etc etc...and i was wondering (and this might be a dumb question) but are those surgeries covered by insurance no questions asked? And also, if any of you can answer this for me, if you happen to change insurance companies, since it may be "pre-exsisting" or whatever (you know how those copmanies are) would they still cover it? Any imput would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!    — hdziema (posted on November 30, 2001)

November 29, 2001
I haven't had additional surgeries yet (I'm almost 1 year post) but I will need a hernia repair soon. I expect my insurance to cover the repair. I did change insurance almost immediately after my WLS and had no problem with the new insurance covering follow-up visits & such. If you do not have a break in coverage, as long as you have had health insurance for the pervious six months, insurance companies cannot use the pre-existing conditions clause. There are probably some exceptions to this, but I believe this is the law. So you should have no trouble as long as there is no break in coverage. COBRA coverage is considered a continuation of insurance coverage, not a break. Good luck.
   — Maria H.

November 30, 2001
When I had my BPD My doctor also repaired an umbilical hernia and removed my appendix. It was covered. He did it while he was in there he didnt know about the hernia till he was in there.
   — sherri W.

November 30, 2001
Our medical insurance change right at the time I got pre-certified from our former insurance after my appeal (PHCS). It is now BCBS and they aren't honoring the existing pre-cert letter I had. I am having to go through the whole process over again so still not sure if they will approve me or not. My husband's company is trying to force BCBS to honor the previous certification letter but the jury's still out on that one.
   — Renee V.