Obese health insurance applicant
originally posted: 11/22/2006 reposted: 2/18/2011 This post has not been recently reviewed or revised by the author and may be out of date. If you notice an error or are in doubt, please send a new question by email or ask for an update. Email asktony@tonynovak.com.
Q: I am in the process of trying to secure some sort of health coverage for my younger brother. He is 33 years old, morbidly obese (true weight unknown, but likely >400 lbs, possibly 500). He is, however, in otherwise surprisingly good health. He has normal blood pressure, and is not diabetic.
A: The "Secure 12x3 STM", a comprehensive indemnity-type major medical plan with a good consumer reputation that will be issued at standard rates and does not screen for weight. It provides continuous coverage for 36 months and re-application is allowed for another 3 years, etc. You can choose use a higher deductible. The only downside is that pre-existing conditions are not picked up from one policy to the next but if that becomes a problem, he will become eligible for the Florida HIPAA plan, but this would be a managed care plan at much higher rates. More information can be found at http://FreedomBenefits.net/articles/Review-of-Secure-12x3-STM.htm . All of the other HSA-qualified insurance plans in FL are medically underwritten and screen for weight. It seems important to mention that, if you have not done so already, that financial planning for his long term care is important. Planners used to call this Medicaid planning, until federal law change made it illegal to do so. Still, a family facing large bills must consider all of the available options.
Summary
More resources:
Review of Secure 12x3 STM
FreedomBenefits.net