Changes in 2006

I am in Connecticut and have been crawling along trying to decide what to do. I have had enough of the yo-yo and subsequent depression but I am frightened about the side effects. However, I keep getting closer to a decision, based on these boards. Has anyone heard the rumor that Cigna is going to completely stop covering any kind of wls no matter what the issues? None of the Dr. visits for nutritional counseling, or supervised diets were covered. All kicked back not paid. So, they start you out with a $95. bill each time you go in to get weighed and turn in your journals. I guess they figure that for some of us, that is enough for us to turn back. Unfortunately, they are right! Almost $600. just to get weighed. I know it may be life and death later on, (I am 52, and a BMI of exactly 50 and in good health so far), but with kids in college, the price tag affects them too. So, if anyone has any info about 2006, get back please. Diane

Hi Diane, Unfortunately my insurance which is Connecticare and my sign up for renewal with my in insurance was August 1,2005 Now I have The same plan so I didn't change insurance in the middle of my preop stuff. I was told in May that my insurance will no longer cover the weight loss surgery. I have finished all my preop stuff as of June 1,2005. And Now my insurance will not pay for the surgery. We need to take things into our own hands write the Insurance Comissioner write your congress and legislature. CT is become a state that is not covering the surgery. Please don't let this stop you. Hydie L.

WHEN I STARTED MY APPOINTMENTS I HAD CONNECTICARE...THEN I FOUND OUT THAT THE COMPANY IM WORKING FOR WAS GONNA CHANGE OUR INSURANCE TO CIGNA...WELL THEN, WHEN I SAW MY DOC I TOLD HIM OF THE CHANGE OF INSURANCES...HE SAID CIGNA WAS HARD TO GET APPROVED SO HE HAD HIS SECRETARY FAX OVER ALL MY STUFF AND I WAS APPROVED THE FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY AND HAD MY SURGERY ON 7/26/05 JUST IN TIME BEFORE THE INSURANCE SWITCH....IM GLAD I HAD IT DONE....WRITE THE INSURANCE COMMISSION AND CONGRESS AND WHOEVER ELSE YOU CAN THINK OF..... BEST WISHES, ANNETTE

I'm glad to hear you are closer to a decision, but sorry that your insurance company is giving you such grief. Just remember that they will try everything to dicourage the surgery, but even if your plan changes coverage, it is not effective until the date of the new contract.. a few points I learned while dealing the beasts: 1. If you get approval prior to the new plan, coverage is usually good for 1 year from the original date of approval. 2. Your insurace company MUST inform you in writing PRIOR to any plan coverage changes. (otherwise they can be fined) 3. I used to work at CIGNA they are evil I know- but they also take forever on claims. if you should be covered-FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!!! Good luck and call on the CT insurance commission if needed- great resource. Best wishes -Erica