Question:
Has anyone been denied for pre-existing condition?

My insurance becomes effective next week and I am worried they will consider my MO to be a pre-existing condition. I've not yet started the process for getting the RNY and I've never been to a doctor specifically regarding my weight, but I was definitely obese before the insurance came along.    — K. Joyce Smith (posted on March 30, 2002)

March 30, 2002
You know, I thought about this too. I had my insurance for only a month before trying to get this surgery. Of course, I was large long before that but I had never seen a doctor about any problems I had had due to the weight. They never uttered the word "preexisting" and I was approved within two weeks. Good luck to you.
   — Barbara H.

March 30, 2002
I recently changed jobs in January 2002. My new insurance became effective 2-1-02. Two weeks after my new insurance I was seen at BTC, and 2 weeks later was given approval from my insurance company. My understanding is if you enroll for insurance when it is initially offered to you, preexisting conditions can not be held against you.......if a person enrolls later, at the next opportunity for insurance enrollment, then it is quite possible that preexisting conditions will be considered. Hope this helps.
   — Mary S.

March 30, 2002
My friend was turned down for that reason. She had not been with the company very long. She is to show continious coverage, which she has and they are to review it again. So don't get discouraged. Good Luck!
   — Shelby G.

March 30, 2002
I believe as long as you have never been medically diagnosed with anything specifically related to your weight (and you say you've never seen a doctor regarding your weight) then it would not be considered a pre existing condition. In order to qualify as a pre existing condition you must have had the problem diagnosed and/or treated by a doctor in the past. For example you can have gallbladder problems for years and as long as you dont go to a doctor seeking treatment it is not considered pre existing the first time you go to a doctor for this problem. Sure the problem did exist before your insurance took effect but it was never officially diagnosed and was not in any of your medical records before this. So there should not be a problem for you.
   — Elva C.

March 30, 2002
Katie- First of all the question is whether or not this is an individual policy or a group policy.Also did you have another insurance policy that was effective the last 63 days? Federal law has requirements on coverages on group plans and also portability from one plan to another. I am in the insurance business, but I really don't have enough info,to give you an accurate answer. If you want to E-mail me you are more than welcome. I just need more info before I can give you an answer. Good Luck! David
   — David R.