I feel like I got punched in the face

When I was approved for lap-band, I  was told that the coverage would be the same as my regular insurance plan. I pay 20%, the insurance company pays 80%. Today I called to verify my fill benefits, I was told they were covered but I couldn't remember how much.

First I was told that my insurance company is actually only paying 50% of the surgery cost. Then the rep went ahead and looked through paperwork and told me that any follow-up visits any fills will not be covered because they are not considered part of the surgery but as treatment for obesity.

I'm not upset about my decision for lap-band at all. Money is nothing in comparision to a second chance at life. I just feel so frustrated that I was taken for a ride. Its so ridiculous that someone at the insurance company can say anything because first they give a disclaimer that benefits can change at any time and benefits may vary from what they see to what is written specifically into my plan. The insurance company did not send anything written to myself or the Kane Center. I know I shouldn't be complaining because the insurance did in fact approve me, but with the way things are going, I will actually be paying more than a self-pay patient.  There isn't much I can do now, the band is in me and the bills are coming, but I needed to vent.

Kristen, Check with your company regarding one of those medical savings accounts.  You know how much your fills are, you can take and have a certain amount taken out of your check and put into this savings plan.  If you do it through your employer the money will be taken before taxes, thuse lowering your taxable income. The only problem I found with this is that if you don't use it you loose it. Here is another suggestion.  INGDirect.com you are able to open a savings account no minimum bal, and no service fees.  They are an internet bank, with interest at 4.50%  APY compared to the normal brick and mortar bank at .05%. They offer a Checking account that earns interest, Savings Accounts, CDs, and other services.  They are FDIC insured so your money is protected. 

I'm sorry your going thru this.. I had been told from several lap band patients that it all depends on how the surgeon "codes" the paperwork when you go in for a fill.  Most insurance companies will not cover the fills. Hang in there. Christina