Denied Health Ins Because Of Gastric Bypass Surgery - ThinnerTimes

marylou · 06-15-2006, 11:34 PM

Hi All, I had gastric bypass surgery in 2002. I recently quit my job because I will be moving. Since I will no longer be covered by my employer's group health coverage once I leave the area, I applied for an individual health care insurance and was denied because I had gastric bypass surgery. Has anyone out there had the same problem? Does anybody know of any insurance companies that don't deny coverage based on a history of gastric bypass surgery?
Mary Lou W.

Mavisavis · 06-15-2006, 11:45 PM

I've heard this rumor and hoped it only excluded us short term until we got lighter and healthier. That sucks!

coptergirl · 06-16-2006, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marylou

Hi All, I had gastric bypass surgery in 2002. I recently quit my job because I will be moving. Since I will no longer be covered by my employer's group health coverage once I leave the area, I applied for an individual health care insurance and was denied because I had gastric bypass surgery. Has anyone out there had the same problem? Does anybody know of any insurance companies that don't deny coverage based on a history of gastric bypass surgery?
Mary Lou W.

You should be offered Cobra by your employer in which case you would be a "guaranteed issue" b/c you would fall under Cobra's group. It is expensive, but easier to get than private issue.

SDphotogrl99 · 06-16-2006, 12:52 PM

same thing happened to me! Bummer

crewzer · 06-16-2006, 01:46 PM

Wait, so we get denied because we were to fat, and then we get denied because we corrected the problem. What a racket!

IpsieDixie · 06-16-2006, 04:40 PM

Contact the office of your state's Attorney General and find out what division of your state government regulates insurance. Contact them. Find out if the division has an ombudsman. You may have recourse against the insurance company that turned you down.

Peckkale · 06-16-2006, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marylou

Hi All, I had gastric bypass surgery in 2002. I recently quit my job because I will be moving. Since I will no longer be covered by my employer's group health coverage once I leave the area, I applied for an individual health care insurance and was denied because I had gastric bypass surgery. Has anyone out there had the same problem? Does anybody know of any insurance companies that don't deny coverage based on a history of gastric bypass surgery?
Mary Lou W.

You had your surgery in 2002.... That's four years ago. I would definately contact your state District Attorney and ask "what da phuck??"

lealphachienne · 06-16-2006, 07:52 PM

I was able to get a basic health insurance policy at a decent price. If you're staying in CA, my agent can help you. I'm sure she may even know of someone in another state if you're not staying here.

exit88 · 06-16-2006, 09:47 PM

Most, if not all, health insurance companies will deny individual policies for health issues far less significant than gastric bypass surgery. If at all possible you probably will do best continuing your policy via COBRA.

I have health insurance through the California Major Risk Medical Insurance program which offers insurance to people unable to get individual policies. http://www.mrmib.ca.gov/MRMIB/MRMIPBRO.pdf

Dyann · 06-17-2006, 05:51 AM

Is COBRA a temporary insurance that you can keep for only 18 months or 2 years and then you need to get a traditional policy or back on with an employer??