discrimination of overweight people!!

Dianechef · 02-10-2006, 10:10 AM

I currently DO NOT have any health insurance. No independent insurance will cover me because "my build exceeds the limit of acceptance." I am currently 5'7" & weight 212. When I initially applied for insurance I weighed 258. I had the LAP-BAND® placed to help me lose weight & qualify for health insurance. My husband is self-employed so we have to find independent insurance. My family is insured, but not their fat mother!!!

I don't smoke or drink. Heck, I don't even drink caffeinated drinks!!! I don't have high blood pressure, diabetes.........NOTHING!! My doctor told me I was in perfect health except that I am overweight. However, when I went to re-apply for insurance since lowing weight, the insurance has told me they will not cover me unless I weigh below 208. I could get my own "special" insurance & it would cost $650/month for me alone. I don't have $650 a month!! Heck, I NEVER go to the doctor except for regular routine checksup. What would that $650 cover?!?!

Is this discrimination or what? They will cover people who smoke & drink, but not ME!! They cover people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, problems with all kinds of stuff. They are cover these people because they are under the required weight limit.

Something is SO WRONG with this!!!! I know I should just lose that extra 5 lbs. & suck it up, but REALLY.......this is just so frustrating!! I should be covered!!

Mvpo8961 · 02-10-2006, 10:33 AM

When I first started my WLS journey I had to have a psych eval by a PhD per the criteria from my ins co. Well their approved list of PhDs was very limited. Like could count on one hand the approved providers. The first two that I called flat out told me that they didn't believe in bariatric surgery and I would be better off seeking consultation elsewhere. Wow I had never experienced a Dr. telling me that before. Especially since I have been a nurse for hmmmmm like 23 years. I would never consider talking to a patient like that.

M

princess_n_thep · 02-10-2006, 10:41 AM

Wow, that sucks. Is this private insurance or work insurance?

Dianechef · 02-10-2006, 10:52 AM

Hey Jenna! The insurance is private. My husband & I are both self-employed so we don't have the option of getting work insurance.

By the way, I got your private message & tried to respond, but it keeps coming up as an error. E-mail me at Dianechef@cox.net & I can answer your question. Not sure what the deal is!! Sorry.

jqpublic · 02-10-2006, 11:07 AM

This health system really suck's because if you are a normal person or middle class citzen you fallen to the group where the Goverment don't care to help. it's sad Some time's you are better off being POOR! then trying to make a living working and being the working poor!

I have been fighting this Discrimination for years because I"m lucky "I guess because I have a some what of a Good union Job! witch Praise the Lord, we make it because Im the soul provider at this point and for the last Ten year's with a family of five.
If I go to work then I knock my wife and family of health care!

with the great union job I have first you have to get 300 hours in then you have to wait two month's after that to get insurence, then if your lucky enough to keep getting lots of hours then you only have to pay few hundred dollers amonth.

but with this WAR we have to feed things are only going to get worse! sorry to step on your post! "I hate this system we have.JOHNQ

Dianechef · 02-10-2006, 11:27 AM

You are so right John!! 2 yrs. ago my husband lost is job which had great company insurance & I was 8 months pregnant!! AGH!!! For the first time in my life, we qualifed for AHCCCS & I have never been treated so good!! They GIVE you stuff just for showing up at your schedule appointments. We got a free carseat, free baby formula, bottles, & lots of baby bags & other stuff. I never paid a dime for any of my appointments or to have the baby.

6 months later my husband started his own business & now we are making enough, but we are right in the middle where we have to pay ALOT to have personal insurance. It's just even more frustrating that they won't even accept me AT ALL because of my weight.

Something just isn't right! :straight

princess_n_thep · 02-10-2006, 12:29 PM

Hmmmm, I suggest maybe shopping around some more??? But I bet you probably already have. Geez, that just sucks sucks sucks.

**Alexandra** · 02-10-2006, 01:06 PM

Diane, what state are you in? Perhaps you and your husband could partner up as an LLC (Shepherd's Enterprises, or something like that) and become a small business? Talk to a broker and see if that would work in your state. It's a VERY common tactic for self-employed folks in NJ.

Dianechef · 02-10-2006, 02:15 PM

Hi Alex!
I live in AZ & I have never heard of partnering up as an LLC. Hmm... that is definatley something to look into. It is our Broker who has been helping us get Health Insurance & is also a little unhappy that they STILL aren't covering me because of my weight. Maybe he already knows that we don't qualify for this program or hey, maybe HE just doesn't know about it!! I'll ask! Thanks for the tip.

All in all, I only have 5 lbs to lose before they will qualify me. I'm sure the easiest thing to do is just LOSE THE EXTRA FREAKIN' POUNDS!! It just bites.

**Alexandra** · 02-10-2006, 02:24 PM

Sorry to hear you're in AZ. That's one of the very worst states in which to get individual coverage, I hear. And I don't know anything about their group requirements. But it's always worth investigating. Good luck!

CCBSTX · 02-17-2006, 09:48 AM

Grrr, that is frustrating! Many folks, in your position are struggling to be insured. You're correct, when larger folks are not insured but smokers, drinkers can...that's discrimination. Shawn

Dianechef · 02-17-2006, 11:24 AM

Thanks for the understanding Shawn!!

I am down 3 lbs. & only have 2 more to go!! I'll be covered real soon. Maybe I should start up smoking or something & see what happens. Oh.....just kidding.