I was banded on 2-18-8 thru Blue Cross on my group insurance. I need to get my own insurance so I applied for individual insurance with Blue Cross since they already know my history. I was denied because I had Lap Band surgery!! They OK'd and paid for the surgery! He told me I have to wait 3 years until I can get individual insurance. I wish I would have known that!! Has anyone had this problem?

what I understand is with individual insurance you have to reach a certain weight and maintain it for two to three years before most of them will take you on. Blue Cross is one of those that requires a weight standard for at least 2 years to prove it works with you. Individual insurance is a nightmare. It is one of the reasons I am paying for my surgery out of pocket in hopes that a couple of years from this summer I can get individual insurance that won't cost me $300 a month and actually covers something. Mine barring hospitalization of something not elective might cover something otherwise I am just paying a lot of money for nothing best I can tell.

May I ask why you are going to individual coverage? Is it for short term or long term?

Hello LucyMae. I have had a very simular problem. I am on Cobra (but self paid the surgery). I wanted to get short term insurance, because Cobra is so expensive, but was denied because the LB is considered a pre existing condition. Even tho I have Cobra it is a no go. I have checked several different insurances. Good luck