Insurance

Just wanted to let all of you know that I talked with United Healthcare this morning about approval for wls for my daughter in law. I was told again it was not a covered procedure. She said she had been told that during open enrolment that Kaiser and Blue Choice would cover but she wasn't sure which one. The state prison system will not be offering either of these.Does anyone know what we can do. She is about ready to try to do the self pay thing. I really don't think that you should have to pay for surgery when you pay these awful high premiums. When you have heart surgery your not told its not a covered procedure so why this. This is just as important as any other surgery. I guess the insurance co would rather pay diabetic meds and c-paps and htn meds for years and years than pay for this surgery so these people can get off all these meds and be normal. Does it make any sense. no. Louise

The HR department of her company should be able to answer her questions about coverage. United Healthcare paid for my surgery but only because the company I work for added the obesity rider. If that rider had not been on the policy it would not have been paid. Two people can have the same insurance company but that doesn't mean they have the same coverage. Each employer choses which riders they will have on their policy. Sorry she is having the problem. I agree with you this should be a covered expense. Many of us have health problems related to obesity and that should certainly be a factor before they deny coverage. Unfortunately the insurance companies are looking at what makes this quarters bottom line look good. Being obese is still seen as the fault of the person not a health problem. Even sadder is that more and more companies are withdrawing coverage. I hope she can find a solution soon. You are a good mother-in-law to be so concerned about her.