Any of you know what they should do?

My sister has a friend at work that is in really poor health and serverly overweight. He is trying so hard to have a WLS. I just got this e-mail from my sister...I called our insurance company myself for Tommy.  They will not pay for any weight loss surgery. Our insurance is united health care (myuhc.com) she said to look under your fiscal appearance or reconstructive procedure. She said the doctor could submitt an appeal and show documentation of health issues to see if it will go through. Can you please help find someone that can help Tommy.  

Any of you know what I can tell them? I didnt have this problem. But I do know that he is in very poor health. I have met him several times and he tells me all the time how he wishes that he could get a new life like I have.. It makes me want to cry.

The PCP can do a lot to help the patient get the WLS, if he or she will do so.  I would think that going to a doctor that has had several patients who have requested WLS would be helpful to start with.  My own PCP had to learn with me and one other patient.  Because neither of us knew what we were doing, it took over 18 months to get the process through BC/BS.  However, the poor health should make a lot of difference if the PCP knows how to work the system. 

I began with United Healthcare and they would not budge.  We changed insurance to BC/BS and I had to jump through their hoops, but they finally paid.  It took me three years to be approved, but I finally was.  Maybe if he changed insurance, that might help, or maybe someone else will know better than me what he should do.  I wish I could help more.  I really have a dislike for insurance companies who will not help those *****ally need help.

Jennifer,
I have United Healthcare and mine was covered.
I guess different policy types. I would get him to check on his policy.
Not all United Healthcare plans cover WLS but some do.

Hope this helps,
Gail