Question:
Congress passing bill?

My husband ran home from work yesterday to let me know that he heard on the radio that congress was passing a bill that would make ALL insurance companies have to pay for the WLS? Has anyone else heard this or is he mistaken?    — SuzysTigger (posted on July 11, 2003)

July 11, 2003
We had a petition going on here that was supposed to be sent to the lawmakers but far as I know, nothing has been done about it or at least i haven't heard.
   — Delores S.

July 11, 2003
I haven't heard of Congress taking action. I would be surprised if the Republican House, the Republican Senate, and the Republican President would enact a pro consumer anti-corporate bill into law. Don't count on this Administration to assist by requiring hyealth insurance corporations to cover a particular procedure. I would think that the better odds are the state legislatures that regulate health insurance companies operating in their states. For example, in New Jersey, the legislature required health insurers to pay hospitals as in-network if they were in-network, whether the surgeon was in-network or out-of-network. What was going on was if there was an out-of-network surgeon the the health insurer would pay the hospital less, thus putting more expense on the consumer. Good luck.
   — David F.

July 11, 2003
Haven't heard that, but if its true, it will mean everyone premiums will go up too, even those who will never need the surgery. Its great info for some, not great info for others - such as families who can barely afford premiums now.
   — bethybb

July 11, 2003
Hi, I haven't heard any anouncements about that. But, I came across this online petition to Congress for WLS. I think it is definitley worth everyone stopping by and signing it. It could make all the difference to a lot of people. Please take a moment and pop in. http://shawnag1976.tripod.com/shawnasweightlosssurgeryjournal/id13.html Thanks, Vikki
   — Vikki L.

July 11, 2003
In Texas, state employees lost all health benefits related to obesity mid-year! WLS patients were literally yanked from surgery minutes before going under the knife.
   — beckyvee

July 11, 2003
I read your post and the answers posted below and was encouraged but yet disturbed by one persons lack of education when it comes to the health care expenses that people pay out of pocket. Can you imagine how health care costs would DROP if there was less than half the people now taking medicines for countless comorbidities such as diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis and future problems such as cancer and heart disease. I'm sure a lifetime of prescription medications for a MO person would by far exceed the costs of this surgery. Second of all, I am the person who started the petition on the site listed below. You can see my profile for a direct link as well. Please spread the news about this petition as I have spoken to a former Capitol Hill Intern and she relayed the information that I would need 500,000 signatures to present before Congress. I have less than 5000 now, so we need to get cracken. An estimated 40,000 will have this surgery this year and if only half of those people sign, we would be well on our way! Thanks to everyone who takes the time to visit my site and sign. Take care!
   — SMG I.

July 12, 2003
Shawna wrote--'but yet disturbed by one persons lack of education when it comes to the health care expenses that people pay out of pocket. Can you imagine how health care costs would DROP if there was less than half the people now taking medicines for countless comorbidities such as diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis and future problems such as cancer and heart disease. I'm sure a lifetime of prescription medications for a MO person would by far exceed the costs of this surgery'----You are making the assumption that all, or even half MO people would opt to have this surgery. And that all people that have this surgery are on at least one form of medication that would exceed appox. 40k dollars over a lifetime. That is not the case at all. This would in fact raise premiums. Fact of the matter is, it is a costly surgery..one that is not the answer to all MO people out there. There will still be the expense of MO related illnesses. Besides, look at it from the insurance companies point of view....a reason to raise rates. Why wouldnt they jump all over that? When was the last time any of you saw a decrease in your health insurance premium?
   — RebeccaP