Question:
Laws Re:Insurance coverage of WLS

One of my goals is to enter a Mrs beauty pageant next year.My platform is going to be obesity awareness and will be called Obesity Awareness Changing America's Weighs.One of the things that I would like to do is discuss the law that some states have adopted making it mandatory to cover WLS.I would like to do the same thing for my state but I need info on how to go about it.If anyone has any knowledge of this or can recommend where I can get info it would be greatly appreciated. Lisa F    — Lisa F. (posted on September 8, 2004)

September 8, 2004
I dont have an answer for you but I would like to say "Good Luck!". That is a very commendable goal you have set. Joy
   — gerardlovesjoy

September 8, 2004
Hi Lisa, What a great goal. I hope it works out for you. I know that there is a law in the State of Virginia that requires the insurance company to "offer" WLS to companies, but that doesn't mean that the company has to buy it. I think if you go to the Library area of OH and google Law(s) etc...you may get the links for the Virginia one. I know I've seen it before - it was long! My best wishes to you! Lyric
   — Lyric

September 9, 2004
Lisa: Best of luck to you. The easiest way to get info. would probably be to check various state websites and look for legislative history with key words of weight loss surgery. If you know someone that's a lawyer or paralegal, they can help you out also via legal research websites.
   — pprater

September 9, 2004
I do not have a answer for you but you are doing something very postive and I commend you on your goals. Please keep us updated. Congradulations and good luck I will pray for your success as Obesity is a serious health issue.
   — JerseyGirl

September 10, 2004
The 4 states with laws of some kind (not all are mandates for coverage however) are Georgia ("surgery is a good idea" but no mandate), Virginia ("insurers must OFFER the coverage but employers need not buy it"), Indiana (mandatory but criteria is harsh, e.g. 18 consecutive months of weight loss) and Maryland (only for large groups 50+ members). All of these statutes were passed with a patient such as yourself or your support group finding a legislative "champion" (another patient, legislator who is a health professional, etc.) and working through the system and creating enough demand and interest to make it happen. You too can do it and I wish you the best of luck. Walter Lindstrom Obesity Law & Advocacy Center www.obesitylaw.com
   — Walter Lindstrom