Can you just go to a insurance company and apply for health benefits?

ProsperNLose · December 12, 2006

Without going through a Job/Company,just apply for personal benefits? Like.. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield,and be able to see a LapBand doctor,would Anthem pay for your surgery as long as you pay your deductable?

any ideas would be great!

Alexandra · December 12, 2006

ShayShay, each state has its own rules about whether individuals can apply for health insurance. Where do you live? In states with "guaranteed issue" individual policies, you can buy individual policies that might cover bariatric surgery, but they're expensive. Many other states allow insurance carriers to base their coverage decisions on medical underwriting--which means coverage for people who are morbidly obese is extremely expensive if not completely impossible to get.

If you live in NJ I can help you out, but otherwise you should start with ehealthinsurance.com and you can find out what options there are for individuals in your state.

ProsperNLose · December 12, 2006

Thankyou, Alexandra.... Im in Ohio,Cincinnati.I'll look that up,and hopefully find a company that will cover bariatric surgery.If you have any more info let me know.

Have a good night,and congrats on your sucess(14/16),I smile everytime

beachgirl · December 12, 2006

I went on the internet and got my Anthem Bc/Bs, they're kind of pricey and I have had it for a couple of years now. Last week I went online and applied for Humana and they're prices were much better but since I'm banded and sometimes they turn you down after they've found out you have had wls so I guess I'll just stay with Anthem. We pay 619.00 per month for myself and my husband.

ProsperNLose · December 13, 2006

I called and found out in order to even get private insurance I need to weigh 170ish,not 200lbs like I do today,so I was told to get my weight down then apply to see if im approved.Boy!if it were that easy..I've been trying for 8 years to get to 170ish closes I got was 186lbs and that drove me nutz!

GE Mom · December 15, 2006

In the individual insurance market, most seriously obese people are uninsurable. So the best bet is to find some way to get group insurance through a large employer, either your own or spouse if you're married.