Denial is Official

I got the letter today, I have been denied. I don't know if I want to appeal or just say forget them. I don't know what to do, it is so aggravating to me. I think first I am going to reseach some appeal letters, the go from there.

Don't give up, go through the appeals process. What reason are they giving for the denial? E-mail me if you would like, I deal with insurance on a daily basis for this. Denials can be overturned unless it is an exclusion to your policy.

I understand how you feel. I'm a state employee and it is a definite exclusion on my policy. So, I'm now going to self-pay. I'm past being angry. I just want to be healthy and diabetic-free. If you can fight it, do so. If not, weigh out your choices. Good luck. Jeanie

Hi Jeanie, I am a State Group Benefits Employee and I was allowed to participate in the "pilot program" that they did. I don't know if you are familiar with that program or not, but they took 40 people from the entire state to do surgery on. I was blessed enough to be chosen as one of the 40. I had my surgery 9-29-04 and am doing great!! I have lost 55 lbs. to date and feel great. I "heard" from someone who should know, that they are going to be given some more "pilot" people in January. Maybe you could check with State Group and find out what you would have to do to qualify. Good luck. Pam

Hi Dee Dee-we are neighbors! I am waiting to find out whether or not I have been approved so I feel for you. Please do not give up-your health is much more important than that. If you need to talk-email me ok? S

You HAVE to appeal. If you're not comfortable or knowledgable with insurance lingo, find someone who is. Someone else replied here & offered help. Please contact them.

My insurance company has some kind of exclusion so I won't be able to have it, but with enough fighting from all the people in Louisiana maybe there will be some change. Good luck. Rebecca

I think it is time for the people of Louisiana to insist that, for once, the people are a priority. There is another state that passed that WLS had to be part of the insurance coverage provided by insurance companies in that state. We need to work on the legislators of the state to pass it like the other state did.