Insurance

Hi I went to my first support group in Grinnell on Saturday. And they were saying there is bad news about Insurance Companies. As of February 1, the insurance companies are not going to pay for the bairatic (spelling) surgery. They will have new guidelines. We were told to write to your Insurance Companies and tell them your story and tell them why we need this. I have all ready been approved, but for those other people that have not been approved. PLEASE write to your Insurance Companies for those people who NEED this. I was just told to pass this news on. Take Care Lisa Young Surgery on December 22, 2003 with Dr. Eibes

Hi Lisa! Thank you very much! Your warning is greatly appreciated! Good luck and best wishes! Blessed Be! Sherry

Lisa, Did they which companies are going not pay for this? You would think that they would want people to do this. In the long run we are saving them money. saving money on hospital visits from stroke or heart atttacks. This is just another way for discrimination against overweight people. Let me know! Lisa J

At my place of work our new ins that takes effect in January will only pay 60% of bariatric surgery. I am so thankful I had this done this year! Many ins companies are still in the dark ages and regard WLS as cosmetic. ALong with WLS many are also having tummy tucks, breast lifts etc.. which can also be considered cosmetic to those not plagued with chafing, yeast infections, back problems etc.. There are many procedures/equipment the ins companies don't regard as necessary; birth control, diabetic supplies, dental, glasses, hearing aides. Doesn't make sense- they want us to have unlimited children, die for lack of diabetic supplies, let our teeth rot out, and not see or hear??? I know a handicapped individual who was unable to get repairs on his wheelchair-it wasn't covered. This stuff may not be a big deal to those who can private pay but for the rest of us, these expenses can make or break us! Health ins reform will not come fast or easy, especially when the mega-powers like the drug companies or the AMA have the resources to control the changes and benefit from current practices. Keep writing your ins companies and your legislators. I wish the best for the New Year pre-ops!