GA INS not covering WLS is not fair!!!

I am an educator, taxpayer, voter and I can't have WLS because I work for the state or make too much to get medicade is unfair!! I am really upset about how unhealthy conscious Georgia is. Georgia is in the top 5 for obesity in children and adults. Why wont they help decrease the epidemic. I am happy those of you who were fortune to have WLS in time. But the rest of us Georgians are suffering and even dieing. Recently I watched a documentary on obesity and it was sad. I showed a hospital for obese patient weighing over 400 pounds. A young fellow died waiting to lose weight to have the surgery. I don't even think we "Georgians even have that outlet to go to obese hospital for treatment or even counseling, which would help. Bottom line as an educator, state worker, nurture, nurse, surrogate mother I feel the state is obligated to help in health crisis. They are very strict about our days and time off. They never consider that the health coverage is a joke and is not benefit their employees. Which is the main reason we may be Obese in the first place. It just isn't right!!

I feel you, I really thought that it was bad as well. But the CDC in Atlanta states that OBESITY is a health issue. But all the same I paid cash and now I'm starting my fight. I was really concerned about my health and I really feel a lot better, with little exceptions at this point. Just last Friday I had to have my GALLBLADDER removed. I was getting sick too much. But I'm better now with my foods. I just now have to wait another 8 to 10 weeks before I can start excersing. Then only thing I'm able to do at this point is WALK,WALK,WALK.. HUGHS, Dorothy (Jeannie)

I feel you pain in this matter. It is a common thing to hear across many websites. Employers whose insurance plans exclude WLS surgery. Here is what many do: Some people have changed jobs to employers whose coverage allows for WLS. That is an option for anyone whose current employer does not cover it. It may mean losing other benefits but they decided thier health came first and changed jobs. Others have checked the exclusion to see if the WLS exclusion is just for treatment of obesity, then submitted requests for the surgery to treat the co-morbidities (sleep apnea, Hypertension, Diabetes, Arthritic (?sp) conditions, ect.) Others worked to get the exclusion removed from thier company health plan, by showing the employer the benefits of allowing the surgery vs treating the conditions that come with it. Also they worked with thier elected representatives of the State to help make the change. I hope you are able to find a way to have the surgery. Keep us posted. Here is a great appeal letter sample: http://www.duodenalswitch.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5822

My Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance will not pay for WLS. Once I made the decision that WLS was for me...Money (or lack of) was not going to stand in my way. My hubby and I took out a home equity loan. My car payment is more than my loan for my surgery and I only expect my car to last five or six years. I am 3 months post op and no regrets. Every month when I pay my monthly payment...I smile! The best money I Have ever spent! Hamg in there! Muchly, Tracy

I feel your pain. We have ins thru State of Ga (hubby). My insurance @Wellstar also has a specific exclusion. I will have gastric sleeve because it is what I can afford. Hubby & I are maxing our flex spending plans and will use this money to pay for most of the surgery. Since my employer has the exclusion, they do have an employee discount plan and payment plan available which will help some. I am going to make this happen with or without insurance.

It's extremely sad! They stopped covering it across the board for state employee's and it was written out of their policies. This was a state choice, the only way at this point to get that changed it to get some people together and make a law to get this changed. It's not right at all. I think if you have insurance you should have the choice of options for what your treatment is for your disease, as they are saying obesity now is... sigh. Don't give up, I really think we need to come together and make this get changed, everyone should be given a choice! Amy

Thankseveryone for the information. I think I will look into securing a loan for the surgery. It's a shame I've spent time and money on a lawyer at Obesity Law and they hardly called to inform me of what was going on. I basically gave away almost $1,000to Obesity Law for nothing. They did not help me at all. Do you happen to know what lenders are good for this type of loan (medical)?

Oh I'm so sorry! Here's some links for medical loans: Links for financing sites: http://www.medicredit.com/ http://www.p-f-s.com/ http://www.cogentfinancialgroup.com/ http://www.capitalonehealthcarefinance.com/ http://www.citerrafinancial.com/ http://www.mymedicalfinancing.com http://www.surgeryloans.com