Question:
Is my weight a prexisting condition?

I have a 1 year waiting period for all preexisting conditions. can my morbid obesity be considered a preexisting condition. Can my ins. say NO to surgery because I didn't become morbidly obese since my insurance started. HELP! what's your thoughts????? pokie.    — Michael (pokie) F. (posted on October 16, 2000)

October 16, 2000
Did you have ANY health insurance before this policy took effect? If this policy is starting where another previous policy ended, you won't have any waiting period at all. It is a federal law. If you went a year without any health insurance before this policy began, then the new insurance company has the right to make you wait a year to cover pre-existing conditions. There is still a chance that you could get the surgery approved before the year is over. They may not consider it a pre-existing condition as long as you had not visited a bariatric surgeon or been refered to one before your policy began. Good Luck!
   — Lynn K.

October 16, 2000
I'm sure Ray Hooks can answer this with more clarity than I, but I had my insurance (COBRA) for only 6 months when I was approved and it took only a week to approve. I was worried about the pre-existing thing as well, but it never came up. I think there may have been some new legislation on pre-existing conditions...Ray?
   — Allie B.

October 16, 2000
I had the same problem...what I was told it is only considered preexisting if it was clinically diagnosed or medically treated within the last 6 months. So if you have never seen a Dr about your obesity...you should be safe. Good Luck!
   — imano1momy