thinking of switching insurance

Lita_hopes · December 3, 2007

I'm new to this site but I've been reading as much as I can in hopes of finding the answer to my question without having to bother anyone...I currently have UHC but was told that the Lap Band is an exclusion to my plan. I'm wondering if it would be a wise move to drop my company's insurance and get private insurance that will cover the surgery. Any suggestions? Does anyone know of any private insurance companies that would cover the surgery? Any help you could give me would be sooooo appreciated!

Ellisa · December 3, 2007

Some things to consider. Are other family members on your company policy? Do they (or you) have preexisting conditions that the new insurance might not cover?

Going out on a limb here, I think I'd find out how much the premiums were going to be, then check into the cost of financing the surgery through one of the companies that assist for medical procedures. My surgeon's office provided info on some but since I didn't need that I don't remember the specifics. Some insurance premiums can be very steep when you don't have a group plan. The loan payment might be better.

Also once you have the surgery with the new company if you decide to drop it, you may not find a company willing to cover any future complications you might have.

I'm no expert, but I sould make sure I researched the consequences thoroughly.

destiny79 · December 3, 2007

U are going to spend so much monwy on private insurance wou are going to become a self payer, I would said just ask emplyeer to add it to the policy for next year

Alexandra · December 3, 2007

I'm new to this site but I've been reading as much as I can in hopes of finding the answer to my question without having to bother anyone...I currently have UHC but was told that the Lap Band is an exclusion to my plan. I'm wondering if it would be a wise move to drop my company's insurance and get private insurance that will cover the surgery. Any suggestions? Does anyone know of any private insurance companies that would cover the surgery? Any help you could give me would be sooooo appreciated!

Lita, everything depends on the laws of the state where you live. In some states, if you're even eligible for group coverage you can't purchase an individual plan. In others, individual plans have all sorts of medical underwriting and pre-existing condition clauses that make them difficult to buy and use for people with health conditions (such as morbid obesity).

Before you come off the plan you're on, check your state's department of insurance website to find out what your rights are. Don't make a wrong move that could get you in lots of trouble later on.