I need opinions

Ive spoken with several people who have HAP as well as other insurance plans about appealing a denial. Ive had some people tell me that it doesn't do any good to appeal to their human side, and to only quote medical and financial reasons why they should approve. On the other hand, Ive had some people tell me that appealing to their human side and showing them you are a person and not a case number has worked well for them. It was brought to my attention that most insurance companies really don't want to hear about the money they will save long term because most clients are only with an insurance company on average for 3-4 years because employers are so often switching insurance companies, so they really aren't going to save money by allowing you to have the surgery. Most recently I have talked with another HAP member who had her denial overturned by using the latter of the two tactics. She showed them who she was and how obesity is affecting her quality of life and daily activities. She included pictures with her appeal and she was approved. So, what do you all think? Has anyone else taken this approach and did it work for you? I want to have all my ducks in a row when I send in my appeal.

Hi Colleen, Please let them know you are a person not just another case. You are a living and breathing person and you need this surgery to stay that way. Let them know that. Tell them all of the medical problems you have and how they effect your quality of life. Do you want a copy of the letter I sent to my insurance co.? It may help to give you some kind of idea of what to put in yours. I was told by my medical case worker that this helped to get me approved, because it showed how my quality of life was comprised, and that I was serious about a lifestyle change. Best wishes to you Colleen. God bless you, Annette

Hi Annette! I would love to see your letter. I figure it can't hurt to get as many opinions and ideas on wording of appeal letters as I can. I have re-written my letter so many times incorporating other ideas and adding thoughts that pop in my head, my letter might be starting to fall apart. Right now, Im working on the "hey, Im a person and I deserve a better quality of life" approach. My intro paragraph tells them about me, my life, and how I came to the decision to seek WLS after two full years of research. I plan to include pictures and charts, as well as my past medical records. Ive actually gone through my records and highlighted information I feel is pertinent to draw to their attention.