Anyone have Aetna? I might be leaving July Board!

We got (potentially) the greatest news yesterday. My husband and I are now eligable for enrollment in Aetna Medical Insurance through his job and from what I understand they cover WLS. If they do, I won't be enrolled until August 1st so I won't have my surgery on July 13th as currently planned. I really hate to wait but if it will save be over $15,000 I can't justify not waiting. ( Insurance through my job doesn't pay) My question is, does Aetna require any medically supervised diets or any other stipulations before they pay for the surgery? I tried to call them but they couldn't direct me to the right department so I have a call into my husband's contact. And won't hear until Monday. Any help you can provide would be most appreciated. I am trying not to get too excited about this, a little part of me doesn't want them to pay for it because I don't want to wait but the smarter parts of me knows it would be fore the best if they did.

hi, i have aetna, mc,pos, aetna has a thousand different policies, and plans, each employer modifys also, but here is the link to the general policy for aetna, http://www.aetna.com/cpb/data/CPBA0157.html i work for verizon, and wieght loss is covered, the rny is covered, the lap band is not, and the ds is not, but i will be haveing a ds, as i cannot have a rny, due to complications with prior surgery. i would urge you to consider the ds, and try for it if possible, visit the ds forum for more information. on the diet requirement, their is a big OR, 6 months of diet or 3 months of pre surgergical regiment.

Thank you so much for the reply. I am having lap rny and luckily, my surgeon already requires the multidisciplinary route and I started it in late May so by August I will almost be there. Looking good so far, now I just have to wait to hear if they cover it for sure with our group. Thank you again, I knew I could count on this board.

Hi Janice, I have Aetna and was originally denied back in November & December 2004. As long as you follow their guidelines you should be fine. Once I completed my 6 month diet/exercise & nutritionist guidelines I was approved right away. I'd save the $15,000 in a heartbeat. In the meantime, try to lose a couple of pounds while you wait. (not to many though to make you ineligble for surgery ) But, it will put you that much closer to your goal when you have the surgery and help with your recovery after surgery. Good luck! ~CK

WOW Janice - wouldn't that be something?! You can still be an honorary member of our board though! We don't want to lose you! Let us know - I'm on pins and needles! HUGS Kimberly