Not Again!!! DENIED!!

Well, just like it says on the tin GLHP, has saw fit in it's infinate wisdom to deny me yet again... I'll be 93 on a walker before they let me have this surgery....that what it feels like! I've ranted on BAF...If anyone would like to see the ranting of a mad fat woman check it out. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/black_american/a,messageboard/action,replies/board_id,49 90/cat_id,4590/topic_id,3192010/

I read your rant and I'm so sorry this happened again for you. When I sent paperwork to my insurance (Aetna) I also included the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Being morbidly obese IS a disability. And when I talked to the insurance personally, I told them it was cheaper for them to pay for the surgery rather than to paying future medical costs that my obesity would be causing. If you can tally your medical costs from your obesity on an annual basis and determine what would be eleviated with the weight loss, perhaps they would be more responsive. I know your frustrated. Please, just don't give up.

That is a wonderful idea, but how do I go about finding out all the costs of medication, dr's visits, etc?

You should go back through your own medical records that you have kept over the years. I've kept everything because of income tax, etc. I've kept full accounts on all medical, prescriptions, etc. You need to document, for example, how many times per year you've had to go to the dr for GERD, hypertension, high blood pressure, pressure sores, heart problems, shortness of breath, chest pain, aching joints, etc. Document what it has been for each dr. visit, the full cost of medication that they prescribed, etc. With severe obesity problems, it would be cheaper for the insurance to give you the surgery, rather than to pay long-term medical costs over the next 10-20 years.

I know what you are going thru...it took me a year from the time I started the process to the time of actual surgery. I was denied twice (the last time because I 'failed' the psych exam) and I ended up having the state involved, who overturned my insurance company's decision. Keep fighting - the insurance company wants you to give up!!

THAT SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS!!!!!!!! wHAT DO YOU DO NOW? HAS YOUR PCP WROTE AN APPEAL LETTER HAVE YOU SENT PICTURES OF YOURSELF SOMETIMES A PICTURES WORTH A MILLION WORD? I FEEL FOR YOU!!! DON'T GIVE UP HOPE JUST START PLANNING THE NEXT BATTLE!!!! JENNY B WISE