Question:
7 Months post op and I have been denied insurance coverage

I am 7 months post op and due to the death of my husband I lost my health insurance that I had. I have applied for new insurance and I"ve been turned down by 3 health carriers. They are saying the longterm problems related to gastric bypass are too risky to cover me. Has anyone else had this problem?    — Susan B. (posted on January 24, 2002)

January 23, 2002
Hi! I am so sorry so much has happened to you. I would suggest you contact your state Insurance Commissioner for some assistance and some advocacy efforts on your behalf and be persistant. They may be able to help. There also should be cobra benefits from your husband's death that may enable you to continue on that insurance. Hope it helps.
   — AJC750

January 24, 2002
I'm so sorry for your loss. I won't pretend to know how you feel and say I understand. But, I am very very sorry. For the insurance issue you're having to go through right now.... if you have a full time job, don't they just give you insurance without it depending on your health history? Would they deny someone who dealt with cancer in the past? I use my husband's insurance as well, so I don't know how it works with having insurance on myself. But, I am offered to get insurance through my employer, with a monthly premium, so I assumed they just gave it to everyone without a physical exam or prying questions.
   — Goldilauxx B.

March 26, 2005
I am going through a similar experience. I had Anthem, who covered my surgery 3 years ago, I have recently divorced and have to pick up my own policy and Anthem is telling me it will cost me $750 a month for coverage...of course I cant afford that so I am currently without insurance and from the looks of things may be that way for a while. I am looking into the COBRA but even that wont last for ever. There should be some law against this!
   — Sandi B.