Health Insurance and Weight Loss

[Lola]

I received notification from my health insurance company that effective January 2005, they will begin covering weight loss programs. This includes: gastric bypass surgeries, pills, excercise programs, etc.

Initially, I thought this was a good idea. I mean, the less fat you have, the healthier you have, the less money insurance companies pay for diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

However, this will also mean that premiums, which are already way too high, will go up as well.

So. Do you think health insurance companies should cover weight loss programs and surgeries?

[Beck]

I feel there should be limits on it. A person that is 5' 7" should not be able to get gastric bypass when she weighs in at a 150-200lbs. Pills, dieticians, etc should be covered.

Now, same 5'7", 200 lbs lady has high blood pressure, uncontrollable through medications, should be able to get the bypass surgery.

There should be clauses and stipulations so it cannot (should not) be abused.

[Demona]

Agreed. If weight is such that it threatens health it is fair enough that it be covered by medical insurance, and I don't see why it should push up premiums because it's a preventative measure.

On the other hand surgery and pills are perhaps not the best responses to obesity. Payment for exercise programs and/or a dietician is reasonable, but not strictly necessary.

I don't know what health insurance normally covers, blessed as I am with a National Health Service. The thing about weight loss is that it's quite possible to do for free, in a way that treating disease or illness often is not. The main thing lacking is will power, so one is in effect paying to overcome a mental barrier. Is this extension of service in keeping with other aspects of your policy?

[Lola]

The thing about weight loss is that it's quite possible to do for free, in a way that treating disease or illness often is not. The main thing lacking is will power, so one is in effect paying to overcome a mental barrier. Is this extension of service in keeping with other aspects of your policy?

Good question. The new policy didn't say.

My concern is that most doctors who see you have health insurance will give you the "go ahead" for this. I fear that it will end up being abused. And yes, this will raise the premiums. Someone has to pay for the surgeries.

[Quamie]

My last health care United Health Care covered all of the above. I was so happy to hear that as a LOT of people in the US need help. I think to go even a step more, schools should offer nutrition in schools. If students learned better eating habits earler, we would need less help as adults.


I do understand the problem with higher cost in health care for the consumers/patients. But we are already looking at higer cost for patients when they are having other issues due to the excess weight. The cost of high blood preasure meds, hypertention, arthritis, diabetes, and on and on. Some people that are so over weight can take as many as 14 meds a day. That's a lot of meds, and a lot of Dr visits, and a lot of money that the consumer is helping pick up.

[RogueAngel]

Originally Posted by Demona

The thing about weight loss is that it's quite possible to do for free, in a way that treating disease or illness often is not. The main thing lacking is will power, so one is in effect paying to overcome a mental barrier. Is this extension of service in keeping with other aspects of your policy?

I think this is a dangerous attitude to have. There are lots of medical reasons why one would be overweight and it doesn't have to do with will power. Certain medications, thyroid conditions, etc can make someones weight skyrocket through no fault of their own. Getting them back down to normal weight can be a very big struggle. I think all these things should definitely be covered under medical insurance.

[Demona]

Originally Posted by RogueAngel

I think this is a dangerous attitude to have. There are lots of medical reasons why one would be overweight and it doesn't have to do with will power. Certain medications, thyroid conditions, etc can make someones weight skyrocket through no fault of their own. Getting them back down to normal weight can be a very big struggle. I think all these things should definitely be covered under medical insurance.

I was referring to losing weight, not to how one gains it in the first place.

[Daethian]

Do insurance companies cover illnesses that arise from smoking or doing drugs? Do they pay for drug or alcohol treatment? Do they pay for your injuries if you get hurt while doing something like rock climbing or bungee jumping?

Then I think its fair to pay for weight loss.

[Lola]

Originally Posted by Daethian

Do insurance companies cover illnesses that arise from smoking or doing drugs? Do they pay for drug or alcohol treatment? Do they pay for your injuries if you get hurt while doing something like rock climbing or bungee jumping?

Then I think its fair to pay for weight loss.

Good points. I just hope they add liposuction and breast enlargements (for cosmetic purposes) too. If a person felt better about their body, they wouldn't need the mental health benefit either.

[blaire576]

Originally Posted by Lola

I received notification from my health insurance company that effective January 2005, they will begin covering weight loss programs. This includes: gastric bypass surgeries, pills, excercise programs, etc.

Initially, I thought this was a good idea. I mean, the less fat you have, the healthier you have, the less money insurance companies pay for diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

However, this will also mean that premiums, which are already way too high, will go up as well.

So. Do you think health insurance companies should cover weight loss programs and surgeries?

an issue before that has come up with health insurance is that they will price you a quote and everything will go thru at a great rate. THEN they will ask for proof of prior insurance and look up your record etc, then 2 months later your rates will go up. so be careful check see how diff. insurance
companies prices

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