Question:
Has any one had any problems with getting health insurance after surgery?

I am currently on a COBRA plan that expires in June 2003 and the company I work for is trying to get insurance for the staff - but apparently because of my surgery (scheduled for 12/3/2002)The company (very small) is being told that either 1) if they will insure me it will double the cost of everyones policy or 2) that I will not get coverage at all. I was even told by one insurance company that after my COBRA expires I will be lucky to find anyone to insure me. Does any one have any experience with this? Thank you - You can email me also at [email protected]    — Jennifer C. (posted on November 20, 2002)

November 20, 2002
My insurance when I had my surgery in 4/02 was Aetna US Healthcare. On 7/01/02 the company switched insurances which concerned me but I have not had any problems with them even paying for my followup visits to my surgeon. My new insurance is BC/BS of Iowa. I think that would be discrimination but I am not a insurance expert. Best of luck.
   — Robin B.

November 20, 2002
I don't have a specific answer. That's terrible about the insurance. If anything, I think Post-op overall people are LESS of an insurance risk. I know at my weight I had trouble finding insurance privately. ALSO when I worked for a small company insurance was tough. Small companies don't have much to bargain with. Where I worked maternity coverage was not covered and there were several exclusions. From your post, it sounds like your surgery will be covered by your COBRA benefits - so I don't see the impact to the new policy of the small company. HUGS - wishing you good luck with this. Maybe someone will have a more detailed answer for you.
   — w8free

November 20, 2002
Oh, I just reread your post and is it the COBRA from the "small company" where you work and now they are in negotiations? Would moving your date up (if possible) help? If their ultimatum is doubling everyone's policy or no coverage - that seems inappropriate. In the case of when I worked for the small company, one of the rules from that insurance is that they had to INCLUDE everyone or noone (because I tried to opt out and get payment for a private policy). I suppose it varies based on the company. HUGS!
   — w8free

November 20, 2002
That's very posssible that your surgery would affect everyone else's rates. Typically small group policies (2-49) lives are much more stringent when it come to underwriting policies. Large group insurance (50+ lives) are more lenient, it's easier to spread the risk around the group and as a rule, they don't don't require employees to answer health questions. Small group coverage on that other hand can and go ask employees to complete health questionnaire's. Any medical issues can drive rates higher, there isn't anywhere to spread the risk, other then increasing rates. If your company is going through a Broker/Agent - which I hope they are, then it's up to that Agent to really shop the market for you and to find your company the best possible rate and plan.
   — Rosario T.

November 20, 2002
I went through (and am still going through) a rough time on this very subject. I had Healthnet through a COBRA policy from where I used to work. They would not pay for my Bypass so I was self-pay. Six months after the surgery my COBRA ended and Heathnet would not offer an individual policy. I searched and searched for another policy; finally used an independant agent to find me one. Finally had to go with a guaranteed issue policy with PacifiCare. I am currently paying 3 times as much for insurance as I paid before the surgery. It certainly doesn't seem fair as I no longer have high blood pressure, my asthma is controlled, and I am no longer morbidly obese!!!
   — LLinderman

November 20, 2002
If your company has under 50 employees, the company can NOT be denied insurance nor can anyone in it due to the HIPPA law. I can believe that the insurance companies would double the rates for everyone due to your condition. The company would be better to wait to get insurance until your about 4 months post-op. You'll be MUCH thinner by then and as long as you haven't had any complications due to the surgery, the insurance company may look more favorably on the group.
   — Patty H.