WLS Insurance Question

Has anyone had any luck with an appeal with United Healthcare HMO - State of GA Health Benefit plan?

I would recommend sending communication directly to Rhonda Medows, M.D., Commissioner, GA Department of Community Health, 2 Peachtree St, NW, 40th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303 or e-mailing her at: [email protected]. Dr. Medows is the new Commissioner who took office in December '05. She is also the top of the pyramid relative to State of GA Health Benefits Plans as it falls under the Department of Community Health. I, too, am attempting to get approval through UHC HMO - State of GA. I don't believe Dr. Medows has been provided with accurate documentation regarding the costs of NOT approving WLS, nor has she been given detailed data regarding the cost of surgery vs the direct and indirect cost of continuing to pay for the medical care of co-morbidities associated with morbid obesity. I believe healthcare professionals, advocates and individuals can provide Dr. Medows with these statistics and as a leader who has demonstrated true concern about the fact that CDC/HHS have ranked Georgia as the 6th fattest state in the nation , she will repond positively. She is an impressive individual who has demonstrated that she will not retreat from a challenge; therefore, I would encourage all state of Georgia employees, dependents, retirees and advocates to contact Dr. Medows with demonstrable facts and figures regarding the advantages and outcomes related to WLS.