Health Insurance and Obesity

binky610

I'm in a medically supervised program to prepare for lap-band surgery, which my insurance company covers....when they feel like it apparently. According to my Benefits Dept., more people are denied this COVERED benefit, even after meeting the pre-surgical criteria. My Benefits person & I just called the insurance company & they couldn't explain exactly what needs to happen to ensure approval for the procedure. As a matter of fact, the insurance rep. said that people who lose weight in the pre-surgical program are more prone to be denied surgery. So, I guess I need to start packing on the pounds. Research has consistently found that bariatric surgery is the only weight loss treatment of morbid obesity with any long-term success. But, without issue, the insurance company will cover the costs for long-term heart disease treatment, knee replacements, depression, etc. that result from obesity. Very frustrating…my rant is over….thank you for listening. :sad: