Question:
I have been denied by 3 different insurance companies. They say I am too over weight

and my asthma plays a role also. My job does not offer insurance, I do not qualify for public assistance, I can not afford to pay 20,000 dollars out of pocket and changing jobs is not an option for me right now. Has anyone had to get independent insurance? Help!!!    — Cherae B. (posted on May 8, 2002)

May 8, 2002
Sorry for being dense here... but how can you be 'too overweight' with a BMI of 42? Doesn't sound right to me. I had a BMI of almost 60 and had this surgery. Is there an exclusion in you policy?
   — Molly W.

May 8, 2002
Are you saying that you can't get insurance from anyone because your weight is too high? I am not sure whether you mean that or that you can't have the surgery because of your weight. With a BMI of 42.5 you are considered morbidly obese, but I think a call to your state's insurance commission could help to clear this up for you...
   — Suzanne S.

May 8, 2002
i think what she means is , she cant get insurance on her own b/c shes over weight and most insurance companies wont cover anyone with high weight. i know that i couldnt get insurance on my own unless i was under 196 for 5'4.
   — brandy H.

May 8, 2002
Contact your state insurance commission. My state, and I assume most states, require at least a basic high risk pool insurance be offered. BUT you have to be denied traditional insurance first. I really feel for you. I weigh 324 (5'2") with diabetes & other conditions. I spent quite some time trying to find a policy. I can only get a minimalistic high risk pool insurance. Its high deductable, limited payouts, high costs are all prohibitive. And to top it off they won't pay for WLS, or related expenses EVER. Truthfully I feel its very discriminating. But yes, please check with your state to find out if they are required to offer you some form of insurance. Things vary so much state to state, its important to find out for yourself.
   — Shelly S.