HAP HMO-luck with getting approved since 1/06???

hi there- I have HAP HMO and as of jan 06 you have to be in a medically supervised weight loss program for at least one year-- one year!!!! anyone out there have any luck getting approved without the yearly thing? i enrolled in the beaumont weight loss clinic 4 weeks ago- but HAP wont' pay for meal replacement shakes which is what they want you to use- no or very little food- i am frustrated and looking for help.. thanks katie

I was denied when my physician requested a referral for me. I have been gathering supporting documents and writing an appeal letter to send in. Unfortunately, from what I have been hearing, HAP is being a stickler about the 12 month requirement. However, I was told by another surgeon's office that as long as you see your PCP at least once every three months, get weighed, discuss diet, exercise, and behavior modification, you have met the criteria and do NOT need to go into a specific program. I don't truly know if that works, but his office also takes HAP, so it may be true. I need to get my own butt in gear and get into my PCP to start working on this requirement.