Aetna CA - Pre-existing exclusion?

[Kellster 1]

Hey everyone! I have been hearing here and there about some insurance companies excluding LB when you switch to a new insurance co because it was to treat a "pre-existing" condition.

Does anyone know if Aetna does this? Did anyone switch to Aetna and then have LB?

I'm currently with Blue Shield HMO and have started the process, the six-month diet, etc. and my PCP knows I'm switching to Aetna due to work. I'm worried that I'll be doing my part and then when I apply to Aetna to approve it, that they'll deny me based on the pre-existing...

However, my BMI is 50 according to one calculator, but without any serious comorbities (yet!!). I could lose 50 pounds and still qualify...

Help!

[Julia_N 2]

I'm not an expert on this, and it depends on the insurance, but if you had coverage before and your new plan covers it, it's not consider a pre-exisiting condition that's not covered. I went from COBRA coverage to Aetna and Lap-Band is being covered, even though the HMO coverage I had before didn't cover weight loss surgery. Make sure your new insurance covers WLS because not every plan does. Sometimes employers specifically exclude it to save money on the policy.

Good luck!

[HeatherO 7]

As long as you don't have a break in coverage, you don't have a problem. Also, I have never heard of obesity being considered a pre-existing condition regardless.