Question:
I have a BMI of 52 and no Co-Morbidities do I qualify?

My dr. says that I have no other Co-Morbities. Yet, My BMI is 52 and I suffer from Migraine headaches, swelling of feet and legs. Also, have very ugly Varicose Veins. I have Kaiser Insurance does anyone out there think that I would qualify? My dr. is sending all of my paperwork out this week. Thanks in advance. (I have Northern California Kaiser).    — Tisha V. (posted on June 12, 2000)

June 22, 2000
My BMI was 42 and I had no health problems at all yet I was approved immediately by Prudential. I think their qualification was 100 pounds overweight and I was considered to be 110 pounds overweight.
   — [Anonymous]

August 16, 2000
I am waiting for approval from cigna ppo and I'm worried because I don't have any health problems other than being 130 lbs. overweight.
   — [Anonymous]

December 17, 2000
It has been my experience that Kaiser won't cover the surgery unless it is threatening the life of the patient. Any good company will approve it solely on the patient having a BMI of 40 or more. Principal Life is really good.
   — [Anonymous]

December 17, 2000
I had Kaiser Southern California, they approved me after one week. I had a BMI of 51. I have since been told by my PCP that Kaiser requires a BMI of 50.
   — Connie G.

January 25, 2001
Good news, The insurance co. I use (United Healthcare) has approved many patients that have a problem with no comorbidities! You just have to be above a 40 BMI
   — Nicole0105

February 11, 2002
Kaiser (Mid Atlantic) turned me down twice for a referral to see a surgeon, my BMI is 51 and i have no co-morbidities, they told me that even though i was overweight, i'm still healthy. I cried for 3 days. I left Kaiser after being a patient for 10 years. I know have bc/bs and dont even need a referral to see a WLS.
   — charrise R.

April 27, 2002
If your surgeon would write the letter correctly.. I am sure you would qualify.. It is hard to believe though with a BMI that high that you dont have ANY comorbidities..maybe they are just ones that you dont think about or dont know about.. like sleep apnea.. and degenerative joint disease. Make that surgeon write a good letter to that insurance company.
   — vwilhoite