Obese Poor Shut Out From Weight-Loss Surgeries
Too often, they lack insurance or face roadblocks in getting the procedures, study finds
Reader Comments
Obesity and Health Insurance
Many of the insurance companies we hear about will add additional premium on and count obesity as a preexisting condition making it both more expensive and complicated to find the best health insurance plan. East Coast Health Insurance (www.echealthinsuranc.com) represents all the major carriers in the state of Florida and our region is expanding. We've had dramatic success finding providers that cover a specific doctor and specific medical conditions.
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Opinion discrepancy re: Medicaid obstacles
I find that about 1/2 of the patients I'm currently seeing for bariatric surgery prep have Medicaid. These individuals are not 'underserved' in my opinion. I have come across no report of delays from these patients. Some private insurances also require the 6 months of lifestyle and eating changes prior to approving surgery. This is not just a Medicaid requirement.
Also, I don't think that poverty alone contributes to obesity. It may say something about the values of the individuals too. People that qualify for and receive Medicaid sometimes aren't motivated (able?) to follow good health practices.
People tend to become what they value with varying effort and degrees of success. Even after surgery, much effort, exercise, and sacrifice is necessary to maintain the weight loss. Many gain some back. I wonder what the statistics will show regarding wt maintenance among various income levels.
