Question:
HELP!!! DOES INSURANCE CONSIDER OBESITY A

I have been with Anthem BCBS for about 11 months now. I know that they have a policy that doesn't cover "pre-existing conditions" until after the initial 12 months with them. I have appointments with Dr. consultations all of this month. However, i'm afraid that ANTHEM will consider OBESITY a pre-existing condition and deny coverage. Then even if i had the operation AFTER the initial 12 months, my consultations were within the non-coverage period so they can deny even the operation!! I AM SO CONFUSED !!! Should i pospone all my operations till i'm over with the 12-month waiting period? Or is OBESITY a different issue seperate from other PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS. Pleeeeeeeease help clarify this for me if you've ever had to deal with it, or if u have any info at all. Has anyone with ANTHEM faced this? THANK YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH IN ADVANCE !!!!    — Laura R. (posted on May 6, 2003)

May 5, 2003
I can't speak specifically about Anthem, however, most insurances do not require a waiting period for "pre-existing conditions" as long as there was not a lapse in coverage prior to the current insurance. Did you go straight from another insurance to Anthem 11 months ago???If so, there shouldn't be a problem.
   — Carolyn M.

May 5, 2003
Hi I dont know about Anthem's policy on pre-existing conditions however my insurance defines Pre-existing Conditions as anything you received treatment or advice for in the previous 12 months. Check in your contract book it should tell you in there. Hope this helps.
   — lillbitofsin

May 6, 2003
What state are you in? Some states do not allow exclusions for pre-existing under certain circumstances. Also some states require coverage for WLS if it is medically necessary and your company is not "self insured". I have heard of pre-existing obesity as a a reason for denial in this forum, but it is rare.
   — M B.

May 6, 2003
THANK YOU FOR REPLYING TO MY INQUIRY. AND TO ANSWER YOUR Qs, I'M IN VIRGINIA. I WAS NOT COVERED BY ANY HEALTH INSURANCE PRIOR TO ANTHEM (11 MONTHS AGO) SO I GUESS THATS SIMILAR TO SOMEONE WITH A "LAPSE" IN COVERAGE [BUT FOR A LOOOOOOOOOOOONG PERIOD..LOL ;o) ] WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN? I DON'T WANT TO CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND ASK THEM B/C THAT WAY I'LL GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO DENY ME EVEN BEFORE THE DR'S LETTER IS SENT. WHAT SHOULD I DO?!! PLEASE HELP !!!!
   — Laura R.