Which health insurance in Missouri is best for bariatric surgery?
I need bariatric surgery. My current insurance, well it’s not the world’s best for it (mercy healthcare, HMO) and I dont meet the requirements. I was recently married and in January must find my own insurance. Anyone know which insurance would be best to check into getting that would potentially cover bariatric surgery? I live in Missouri…only other thing I definitely would need the insurance to cover would be my cardiologist, but he takes most every insurance I’ve thought of.
Tagged as: cardiologist · hmo · insurance · mercy healthcare · own insurance
Tough question. My mother had similar surgery and her insurance covered the whole thing because she was also diabetic. I can’t remember who they were. try checking through some diabetic websites and maybe they can help.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but unfortunately, you problem is not finding a company that’s good for bariatric surgery but finding a company period.
All individual insurance companies have a height and weight chart and if your weight is over the limit on the guideline they will decline to offer you insurance. In most cases doctors say you will not qualify for bariatric surgery unless your BMI is 40 or greater and no insurance company will accept someone with a BMI of 40, most will decline with a 35. On top of that you state you need your cardiologist covered. Most companies will decline most heart conditions.
Your best option would be for you or your husband to get employment with good coverage because group plans cannot turn you down. Another option would be to visit a local agent that works with all the major companies in your area to see if any company will accept you. However, those that will probably won’t cover what you need covered.
In many cases, people who need bariatric surgery are considering traveling overseas in order to get the care they need at an affordable cost. This would allow you to continue to use whatever insurance you like in Missouri but to get the surgery you need.
There are one-time insurance policies available to cover any complications you may have, including coverage when you get home and there are several companies that can arrange the whole thing for you, such as Patients Without Borders (http://patientswithoutborders.us).