The 23 states that will offer weight loss surgery in their Obamacare plan

[mswisdom 42]

I was looking at at link about states going forward in 2014 due to me have PCIP insurance and had to change plans. I've learned that Virginia is not one of the states that offer it. I clipped some of the info I found.

" Which Obesity Services are Not Covered?

As with any rule, there are exceptions. The same is true for obesity coverage. While obesity screening and counseling must be covered by all insurance plans, the determination of what those benefits constitute will be left up to the states. In general, most states will not cover weight loss treatments. Counseling, as outlined above, is not considered a treatment. However, these services are:

Bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass and lap-band surgeries Prescription medications Medical (in-patient) weight loss treatment

Unless your state requires the coverage ofthese services, your insurance company will probably not offer these services under any plan. Currently, there are 23 states that cover bariatric surgery, which will continue to be an option in plans participating in the state exchanges. These states are:

Arizona

California

Delaware

Hawaii

Iowa

Illinois

Massachusetts

Maryland

Maine

Michigan

North Carolina

North Dakota

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

Nevada

New York

Oklahoma

Rhode Island

South Dakota

Vermont

West Virginia

Wyoming

In addition, residents of California, Massachusetts, Michigan and New Mexico, along with the District of Columbia, can access weight-loss treatments such as in-patient medical weight-loss treatment and the reimbursement of fitness club membership dues.

If you do not live in one of these states,be patient. More and more insurance companies and medical professionals are recognizing the importance of treating obesity beforeitleadsto other, more costly medical conditions. The trend is leaning toward the inclusion of treatments in insurance coverage, so within the nextfewyears, it is likely that more states will be added to these lists."

[rredrruby87 27]

I just found out my insurance thru my employer does not cover it...Im in maryland but do you know if I add the obamacare insurance as a secondary will they pick up the tab?

[bobheist 85]

Thanks for posting this!

[Big_Jay 0]

Guess its time to move?

[AuriP 420]

My insurance company covers the surgey and I'm not in a state that is listed on here. Are you saying that now my insurance will not have to cover this surgery? That would leave a more expensive bill on these companies with the amount of Diabetes meds, bp meds and so forth that would need to be paid in order for people to live. Seems a bit counter productive to me.

[Mel1071 149]

Auri - you're fine with your own insurance. Just don't switch plans.

I love how the majority of the states that have the highest obesity rates are not on this list. At least 6 of the 10 aren't on the list