Switching insurance after banding

laurenwhite82 · April 3, 2008

Hello all....maybe someone can answer my question. I am planning on being banded toward the end of the summer after i finish my 6 month supervised weight loss plan. My current insurance covers the procedure. If in the future I switch jobs and change insurance will the new insurance cover the upkeep such as fills and emergency removal (god forbid!)? Im sure it varies by insurance, but would the lap band be considered a "pre-existing condition" of sorts?? It would just really suck to have to start paying out of pocket if I ever change jobs. Thanks in advance for any responses!

Nancyann · April 3, 2008

Hi, I'm kinda in the same boat you're in and will be interested to see the comments also. My hubby's ins. ran out yesterday, and he starts a new job on the 14th. Couldn't see paying $1100 for 2 weeks of insurance to get us thru till the new job kicks in. Both insurance companies are United Healthcare but who knows what the new plan will cover???

ErikMesa · April 3, 2008

If you go from one insurance directly to the next (with new job) there should be no pre-existing period clause. Cobra is expensive but it's almost a necessity because of that. A couple of years ago I had a three month lapse in my coverage after being injured at work and changing careers. The new job had insurance but they slapped me with an 11-month waiting period for preexisting conditions. How 3 months without insurance equals 11 months preexisting exemption I still don't know.

ErikMesa :huh2: