Underwriting Overweight and Sleep Apnea Concerns
Situation – An advisor approached DBS because their client, a 44-year-old male, was originally declined elsewhere due to his weight, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, fatty liver, and an echocardiogram that was slightly abnormal with an elevated CRP. He recently was on Ozempic and had lost 19 lbs. but because he had lost the weight within 12 months the carrier added half the weight back in as is often standard practice. DBS did not have a sleep apnea test or follow-up that was current after he had lost the weight. Furthermore, he had not been using sleep apnea devices and his liver function was abnormal. The original offer was Table C with the Chronic Illness Rider being declined due to his build and echo results along with no sleep apnea follow-up.
Details & Outcome – DBS obtained a doctor’s letter noting that he had never been truly diagnosed with sleep apnea and the elevated CRP was due to the insured being ill at the time of testing. The client had lost a little more weight so we advised to wait to be close to the 12-month mark so that half the weight wouldn’t be added back in. The cardiologist provided DBS with a negative stress test with good exercise capacity. DBS received a Table B offer without the CI Rider, but the Underwriting Team went back to the carrier and pointed out the METS on the stress test, and new labs we ordered that looked great. In competition with another company, DBS won the case, offering Standard with the CI Rider and a Total Premi[1]um of $64k. The case was placed.
