Question:
Does this mean I have actually had to be DIAGNOSED as obese, or just treated for it?

I just got home to a letter from my insurance company that says: "Your application shows that you/or your dependent(s) previously had less than 12 months of creditable health care coverage, or you had a lapse in coverage of 63 or more days, (or you did not provide verification of your previous creditable health care coverage). As a result, we will review claims between 7-1-02 and 6-30-03 for Nicki Bridges and Carl Bridges. If our claims review shows that during this time period treatment is received for a pre-existing condition(s), you will be responsible for paying for those services." I have had a prescription for fen-phen and meridia, does this qualify it as pre-existing?!?! I am SOOOO discouraged.    — Nicki B. (posted on July 1, 2002)

July 1, 2002
In my opinion, I don't think that could be considered pre-existing. I've been overweight all of my life, made several weight loss attempts since I was 16 years old, have had insurance coverage on and off all of that time. I used Fen-Phen and Redux (successfully, then slowly put it back on) before I had my present coverage, and was just approved for open RNY. I hope this helps you out. Good Luck!
   — Kathy M.

July 1, 2002
My understanding is that you have to be seen specifically for that for it to be considered pre-existing. Being treated or diagnosed... I'm not sure how much that differs since I don't know if they could treat you for it without diagnosing it first. Regardless, they can only go back 12 months (I think) and after you get through the pre-existing period you will be eligible to have anything done that you want. :-)
   — K. Joyce Smith

July 1, 2002
If you are seen by a doctor and/or take any medications prescribed by a doctor, that condition would be considered pre-existing.
   — Patty H.