Buttars Pushes Insurance Coverage for Obesity Surgery

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) A State Senator best known for his efforts to ban gay marriage, crack down on gay student clubs and keep evolution out of the classroom is now pushing another weighty issue.

"Now I'm not talking about me eating a bunch of hamburgers and getting heavy," says Senator Chris Buttars. "I'm talking about people who can go on almost a starvation diet for a month and still weigh 350 pounds and not loose an ounce."

Buttars wants to require insurance companies in Utah to offer at least one plan that covers gastric bypass or other surgeries for morbid obesity. The procedure has become increasingly common as obesity rates rise in the U.S. But critics, like Kelly Atkinson of the Utah Health Insurance Association, say the procedure is still risky and requiring insurance companies to cover it will mean higher premiums:

"Everytime you have something that a company must purchase, buy or add on, you need to know that increases the cost for the consumer," says Atkinson.

Buttars' proposal only requires insurance companies to offer gastric bypass coverage in one of their plans. Employers could still opt for a different plan. But Atkinson says everyone will pay more, since insurance companies have to spread risk throughout the pool. Despite strong legislative opposition to such mandates, Buttars plans to revise the bill and push forward.

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