Question:
My BMI is 51.6,and I have a few co-morbidies why was I denied??

I have a BMI of 51.6.Arthritis in both knees,blood sugar problems,and depression.Also, heart disease,stroke and cancer run in my family.Why would my insurance deny me the one thing that can save my life.    — Tasha K. (posted on July 16, 2002)

July 16, 2002
Some insurance companies will deny the first time as a matter of policy. They are hoping you will go away and not persue it. Make sure all you comorbidities, family history etc. is documented and resubmit. Good luck!
   — grammie5

July 16, 2002
Carol is absolutely right. Some insurance companies automatically deny everyone the first time, it's just the way they do things. Don't give up hope. I would contact your insurance company and see if they require further information, ie: family history, or some require a psychological evaluation.
   — stacjean

July 16, 2002
I submitted pictures of myself and my family to give the insurance a face instead of just another file. I also sent in my personal story, explained just how obesity affected me and my children. I told them what I would do once I lost the weight and that I planned on making a success story out of this. I told them thank you very much for considering me. I am not sure if it helped or not but I made sure I sent in extra personal facts to help them to look at me as an actual person suffering from a serious disease. Good luck to you and don't ever give up honey. It sounds like you would really benefit from this surgery. Remeber that God is the real one that is in charge here. Ok. Take care.
   — Michelle J.

July 16, 2002
My advice is never take no for an answer when it comes to insurance companies. Dig your heels in and fight. Remember, you are fighting for your life! Carol is definitly right, a lot of companies automatically deny the first time. So, take this time, to get all your ducks in a row. Get letters from doctors you have seen, get letters from your family and friends about how your life is, get medical support and records....Absolutely bombard them with information. ALWAYS KEEP COPIES FOR YOURSELF!!!! I can't stress that enough. Never send your original to anyone. And always send it registered mail with a signed receipt. That way you have PROOF the got it and who signed for it. Best of luck!
   — Sherri O.

July 16, 2002
I actually found a website for the Texas BCBS "health insurance company report card"; statistically they report X amount of claims total, with Y amount denied. Of the Y amount denied, 1/2 of those are appealed, and of those 1/2 of Y appeal, 1/2 are approved...JUST DON'T GIVE UP!! KEEP APPEALING!!!
   — Lynda L.