Rumor: Connecticare may be dropping G.P.S.

Hi everyone, I just wanted to report that my Psychologist that works with my Surgeon told me another patient of hers said that Connecticare will be dropping coverage for Gastric Bypass Surgery in April. She said she will find more information for me. I don't mean to frighten anyone... This is unconfirmed but it sure is freaking me out. Has anyone else heard anything? Worried, Jim

Hi Jim, I just received the newsletter from Dr. A's office a couple of days ago and it said that Connecticare was the only major insurer in CT that was NOT investigating dropping coverage for WLS. Did you hear this from Dr. Daniels? I hope and pray it's not true. DH is waiting for his date right now and we have connecticare as well.

Actually, this person that mentioned it to my psychologist is apparently a patient of Dr. Aranow. If I get any clearer answer either way I will post. I hope it's not true! Jim

You have to understand how an insurance company works. Insurance companies say they will cover "x", or not cover "x" as a matter of basic coverage. That is not the end. Your individual company can pay for a rider which says they will provide for "x" IF you follow "A,B,C, and D Steps" Then........................ Your company can pay for a rider that says you do NOT have to do Step "B" . Now if you think that is the end of things................ When an insurance company decides that it will no longer cover a procedure, it does not change immediatly. Insurance companies have contracts which they must follow, give notice to employers, and allow them to purchase riders which would allow for specific coverages to continue if they so desire. Those changes take effect at the end of the conract period. You may want to find out when your company's contract runs out. Sound complicated??? It is. Bottom line................. only your insurance company knows for sure. Just work on doing what you need as quickly as possible. You can always appeal any dropped coverage,and get approval based upon their waiting times. Peter

Peter, Thanks a lot for the explanation. Very helpful! Thanks, Jim