Question:
I just joined my job`s insurence, How long until I can apply for surgery?

hi all i really need your knowlledge i just joined my job`s insurence carrier i`m so new i haven`t even got my cards yet any way i want to know do you think there will be a problem with me being able to get the surgery done? i still have to pick a pcp and my carrier is bc/bs care first so let me know what you think thanks and i would love to hear from some one who was in the same boat.    — rochele1970 (posted on March 9, 2002)

March 9, 2002
So much depends on which state you live in. Some states can hold "pre-existing conditions" against you. Some can't. I live in Maine, and in this state, obesity cannot be considered a pre-existing condition. Even in states that allow pre-existing conditions to be held against you have a maximum 1-year waiting period. If your surgeon's office is anywhere near as busy as mine, you may have to wait that long before your surgery anyway! Good luck--
   — Terissa R.

March 9, 2002
Hi, like you I was new with my insurance, as a matter of a fact, I had insurance coverage through PEIA on July 1st and my first consult was July 20th, and by Aug 14th I was approved. But the main thing that helped me was that I was previously insured. And had been for many years. So if your situation is similiar to mine, at least you know you have a MAYBE. I was really surprise that I got approved my first time around and didn't have to appeal and appeal and then appeal some more. lol. I have a great isurance I guess. But hopefully you do too. Good Luck hon, and God speed and God bless. Open RNY 10/4-73lbs!!!!!
   — TONYA B.

March 9, 2002
I am with Kaiser Mid-Atlantic and (so far, fingers crossed) haven't had any problems (will find out on 3/19 or so) BUT I have heard that people have been denied because they haven't been under a Kaiser PCP for a year, among other bizarre reasons (you know, the usual smoke screens), so I have been sure to ask about things like that every step of the way. My advice - research others who have used your ins. on this site, and see if there are any funky little loopholes like that and...ASK! Best of luck ; )
   — rebeccamayhew

March 9, 2002
Oops...I meant to add to my previous post that I started persuing WLS almost immediately after my coverage began...
   — rebeccamayhew

March 9, 2002
I changed insurance companies effective January 1st of this year. I went on my first consult on 1/13 and had approval for the surgery within a week. My surgery will be this coming Friday, March 15!
   — Robby E.

March 9, 2002
I'm reasonably sure that there is a federal law that says if you have one insurance and switch to another without being uninsured in between, the new insurance can't enforce any pre-existing conditions clauses. It's something like the Health Insurance Portability Act.
   — garw