So i'm currently unemployed and have been looking into paying for my own health insurance. I wouldn't be so worried about it if it wasn't for my expensive follow-ups/fills with my surgeon every month. So far I've only applied to Geisinger only to have them reject me because of my weight. I guess an obese person doesn't deserve health care these days. Yeah, I'm a little bitter. Has anyone else had this issue? Any insurance companies you guys could reccommend?

Trish, there are ways around the whole pre-existing condition stuff and the band stuff would fall in that category. You can actually become a group with only one member in some states. In others, you can form a group of two by hooking up with someone else looking to self-insure. Some insurance companies offer groups you can join, as well. The idea behind forming a group is that you get group rates, pre-existing conditions are not excluded, etc. I suggest you talk to an insurance broker for more assistance. Where are you? I know an excellent broker in Oklahoma but otherwise I can't really make a recommendation.

Also, Trish, you don't look old enough for AARP (50 is the minimum) but someone might benefit from this. If you are a member of AARP, you may be eligible to joing an AARP-endorsed group health plan.

Trish, I'm a Trisha also. I'm in Tobyhanna and on Geisinger. I didn't have a problem getting initial coverage but really had to fight to get surgery approved because I'm on the borderline of what they require. My PMP was extremely supportive and I even had to gain a little weight and go through a sleep study to get diagnozed with sleep apnea. That was the clincher. But I had gained weight from when I initially got covered by Geisinger. Are you saying they declined to even let you subscribe to insurance, period? I didn't have a problem with that even though I have high BP and high cholesterol and thyroid issues but all were under control with meds. In Pennsylvania it sucks. Have you tried for state-assistance coverage because they do cover the surgery. Several people at my meetings at Geisinger were getting it that way, especially if you're unemployed.

Good luck from a fellow Poconos person!!

Trisha

Trish, I'm a Trisha also. I'm in Tobyhanna and on Geisinger. I didn't have a problem getting initial coverage but really had to fight to get surgery approved because I'm on the borderline of what they require. My PMP was extremely supportive and I even had to gain a little weight and go through a sleep study to get diagnozed with sleep apnea. That was the clincher. But I had gained weight from when I initially got covered by Geisinger. Are you saying they declined to even let you subscribe to insurance, period? I didn't have a problem with that even though I have high BP and high cholesterol and thyroid issues but all were under control with meds. In Pennsylvania it sucks. Have you tried for state-assistance coverage because they do cover the surgery. Several people at my meetings at Geisinger were getting it that way, especially if you're unemployed.

Good luck from a fellow Poconos person!!

Trisha

i've already had my surgery so i'm just starting to get worried about paying for the fills. to see my dr. at all is $75 plus $175 if i get an adjustment which sucks. i'm a healthy person, no long term issues from my weight. this is so stupid. i wish i could just be like "look insurance man, i never go to the doctor except every month or so for a lap-band check so i won't be costing you too much money. just insure me already!"