Aetna Insurance Information

For those of you with Aetna insurance, you'll need to know the following: Aetna's new coverage policy for Weight Control Services starting Jan 1 2005. WHAT'S NOT COVERED Weight Control Services including: surgical procedures, medical treatments, weight control/loss programs, dietary regimens and supplements, appetite suppressants and other medications; food and food supplements, exercise programs, exercise or other equipment; and other services and supplies that are primarily intended to control or treat obesity, including Morbid Obesity, or for the purpose of weight reduction, regardless of the existence or comorbid conditions. This is totally BULL**** As of January 1st, they will cover absolutely no weight loss tools, most importantly the surgery. The employer where we get our insurance thru will not even offer a rider for you to purchase so that you can get the weight loss surgery next year. I just wanted to share this with everyone. I'm thankful I'm having my surgery before next year, but not happy about others that will not be covered.

From what I have been told Blue Cross/ Blue Shield and Cigna are taking the same stance..... It really is not right!!!! Carmen

Hey Everybody I am upset about this because insurance company do not understand that they spend alot of money for medicine and my feeling having this surgery save their money !! GRRRRRRRR I bet Dr Aranow will pissed off at insurance company!!!!!! Thank you for listening my vent Hugs Kathy K

Great! This is so upsetting.... I work for Aetna... what other choice do I have but to have their insurance. So because AETNA makes me see Eline 5 times BEFORE even considering approval, I have to suffer because my 5 visits wont be done until FEBRUARY.... Makes me so mad! No I wont be sure I can even get it done without insurance. Beckie

O just sent an inquiry to medical just now... I wrote that I have to pick my benefits for 2005 and that I am expecting to have this surgery as I have already gone through numerous appointments required for this surgery this year. I asked if anything has changed as far as coverage. I explained I have several co-morbidities and a BMI of 40.. I will let you know what they say to me. MAKES ME SO MAD!!!!!!!!!!! We pay our insurance every week... UGH!

When I talked with Blue Cross on Tuesday they are still going to cover WLS in 2005 but they are going to get stricter on their criteria. You might want to check with your own policies. Heidi

I just heard that this is the case with Health Net as well. I used to work for Health Net and their coverage is PHENOMENAL! I never had a problem getting coverage for any illness/procedure/hospital stay/regular visits and I would choose HN over any other carrier in a heartbeat. Looks like the choices are slim for those needing WLS. I have Aetna through Cox Radio, Inc. now (but kept HN as secondary coverage) and I know I am going to have a hard time when it comes to plastic surgery. I am sorry to hear this Tammy, glad that your surgery is before the end of the year - but it is absolutely horrible for those, like Beckie, that had to jump through hoops and it pushed the surgery past the new year. It's very sad. Tara

TARA I HAVE HEALTHNET THEY ARE TERRIFIC THEY APPROVED ME IN 4 DAYS I HAD NEWS.