Question:
How do you get health insurance after Gastric bypass?

I had health coverage until last fall. It was cancelled by the state about 6 months after I had my gastric bypass. I was paying a premium monthly according to my income but the state cancelled the health program I was on in september because of lack of state funds. Anyway, I can not get another insurance company to insure me now because they all say the same thing, "I am disqualified due to the gastric bypass". I am at a loss of what to do. I need insurance and my employer doesn't offer it. I have been looking for other employment that offers insurance through work but no luck yet. Any one have any suggestions. Or if it happened to you, what did you do? Thanks,    — cherby56 (posted on March 9, 2004)

March 10, 2004
I have no solution to your problem, unfortunately, but I would suggest you call your State Dept. of Health and ask them. If they have no suggestions, call your Congressman. Tell him or her that you need health insurance, you're willing to pay for it (within reason, of course), but now that you're healthy, they won't approve you. At the very least, let them know that you expect them pass a law requiring companies to offer coverage no matter what the person's pre-existing condition may have been. If you can't get it, what about people who have had cancer? I imagine they're denied, as well. A lack of affordable health insurance is one of the most serious problems facing our Nation today. So, let your Congress(wo)man know that you expect this matter to take precedence over just about everything before the next election. Be courteous, but firm. Believe me, they'll take you seriously...they want your vote. Good luck.
   — Leslie F.

March 10, 2004
Hi- My father has worked in the insurance business for over 35 years. He told me (this is for Indiana, mind you) that literally anyone who wants insurance can get it. He insures people all the time who have had gastric bypass, cancer, and various other diseases. Here's the catch -- many times after surgery, even "minor" surgeries, your premium will go up for several years. Depending on your other health conditions you could pay a pretty penny for health insurance. I'm with the previous poster, talk to your congressperson or the state board of insurance. There is also short term insurance that doesn't cost much (often less than $60/month/per person) that would cover you in case of a catastrophe. The deductible is often $1000 or higher. I would contact your local independent insurance agent. They often have access to more insurance companies than say Allstate or State Farm. Good luck! And fyi, insurance is going to have to change to meet the needs of the normal American -- meaning most of us have health problems!
   — Amy M.

March 10, 2004
What you were told is right. You can't get an individual policy for health insurance after WLS for 5 years!! I found this out the hard way when my A**hole of a former employer canceled our insurance policy and told us to get a private policy. No can do! Now, do you work? Does your employer have health insurance available? You CAN get health insurance as part of a group policy. So, if you aren't working and you want health insurance, I would recommend finding a job that offers it. Keep in mind, you'll have pre-existing conditions, due to the lapse in coverage, so anything that you previously received treatment for won't be covered, I think for 1 year. Side note: I think it's ridiculous that we can't qualify for health insurance in another way because of this surgery. I don't know who has to be complained to about it but it SHOULD be done! I was very unhappy about it.
   — KelBurt

March 10, 2004
Now I may be mistaken here but I thought that durring the time Clinton was in office a federal law was passed stating employers were required to offer insurance to their employees. At the time I worked for a franchised 7-11 store and the owner had about 12 total employees and was legally obligated to offer a group insurance plan. She did not have to pay any portion of it so of course it cost more than I made at the time so none of us were able to take advantage of it. If I were you I would do some research and find out if your employer truley does not have a group plan or just does not have one that is partially paid for by the employer. If you find out there is no group plan at all you may want to find out if that is legal. I really think that all employers are obligated to carry health care, especially if they have over a certain number of employees. Basically I think it would be worth some time looking at the laws. Have fun!
   — Angie Taylor