SHBP State of GA Employees Call to Action!!!
I just wanted to share this with you all.
Fight for this, even if you already had your wls. Think how discouraging it was for you all those years wls was not covered and how hard we had to fight for it.
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OH SGLs in Georgia,
The future of WLS in Georgia is in serious jeopardy. One of OH's core values is advocacy and we are coming together in this cause. As OH SGLs in GA, we are reaching out to you to join us.
Georgia's State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) provides health insurance coverage to state employees, school system employees, retirees and their dependents. The State Health Benefit Plan covered 692,568 people as of June 1, 2011. The SHBP has eliminated their bariatric benefit starting in 2012. This cut was done administratively through their Department of Community Health with approval of their Board of Community Health.
The current coverage requires six months of medical weight management. With these cuts, people that have not already begun the process to obtain WLS are already eliminated. People that have begun the six months of medically monitored weight management must have their surgery by December 31, 2011. Our time to act is now!
ObesityHelp led similar advocacy efforts in the State of Iowa. As a result, the cut of WLS was reversed and the benefit of bariatric surgery was saved. We are now called to help the same cause in Georgia. The current cuts by the SHBP set a possible precedent for other insurers to follow. Even if the current SHBP cuts don't impact you now, we don't know where this will lead. What if a loved one, friend or business associate of yours will not be able to obtain the life-saving health benefit of WLS in the future?
We need your help!! Are you, or any of your family, friends or support group members covered by SHBP? Do you know of anyone that is a state employee, school system employee, retiree and/or their dependents that have had WLS? Would you be willing to use your personal blog, Facebook, Twitter or other means to support our efforts? Would you become active and add to threads OH makes on the Georgia message board? Any ideas, help and support you can provide will make a tremendous difference.
Please join us and our OH Advocacy Team by replying to this e-mail. In advance, thank you!!!
In appreciation,
Cathy & Debbie
her e-mail is: c[email protected]
I agree with Lashelle. Those of us who have already had surgery (ESPECIALLY those who are SHBP) should REALLY stand up for this......
So whats the plan?
HW- 255 SW- 239 GW-150 CW- 143 (uh!!!! 4 more lbs needed for 100)
Apparently OH is willing to join in on this fight and advocate on behalf of state employees. Email Cathy at the link I provided and hopefully she will get back with you.
I agree, just because you already got you wls doesn't mean you shouldnt pay it forward and fight for those who will need it iin the future.
**** I AM AN OH SUPPORT GROUP LEADER ****
WHY I CHOSE DS: No dumping. Highest percentage of weight loss, Best long term results, Won't regain weight! Eat normal sized meals, 96% diabeties, 90% high blood pressure, 80% sleep apnea cured. I 
MY DS!
My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four unless there were three other people. ~Orson Wells
http://www.change.org/petitions/keep-bariatric-surgery-benefits-for-georgia-employees
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03 First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (PR 2:24:35)
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04
Is this only for state residents or should you copy it to main forum too?
**** I AM AN OH SUPPORT GROUP LEADER ****
WHY I CHOSE DS: No dumping. Highest percentage of weight loss, Best long term results, Won't regain weight! Eat normal sized meals, 96% diabeties, 90% high blood pressure, 80% sleep apnea cured. I MY DS!
My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four unless there were three other people. ~Orson Wells
But seeing how much of the Government works here I doubt they would get a clue.
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03 First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (PR 2:24:35)
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04
http://capwiz.com/obesityaction/issues/alert/?alertid=532441 36
Tonia
RNY 11/15/2010
HW 280ish
SW (after 6 month diet) 247
Lowest post-surgery 183
Current 241
Considering revision to DS - have appointment 8/15/2017
