united health care?

did anyone with united health care insurance say this " Weight loss programs whether or not they are under medical supervision. Weight loss programs for medical reasons are also excluded." and if it did, did you get approved?

YOu need to read your policy carefully. Check to be sure there is a wls exclusion. If there is no exclusion uhc is very good. My wife and I both had uhc when we had our surgeries. Some policies do specifically exclude wls. Find out about your policy. You can call uhc customer sevice and they can tell you whether or not your policy will cover wls.

Brenda... David is correct about reading your policy. There are many different options/choices that employers can purchase under the UHC coverage and whatever policy YOUR employer has purchased is going to set the tone if there are any exclusions. Even IF there is an exclusion you must still read it carefully. Some of them are categorically declined BUT they put in the kicker phrase "medical necessity". Which is a good thing. Some don't even say that. My UHC plan had a basic exclusion but would review WITH medical necessity proven. I had to jump through some pretty harsh hoops to get it okayed but I did it..... So read it carefully and run things by your HR person at work.... and even IF it says exclusion give it a try. If you are able to go into this armed with very good and complete medical records, letters and a TON of research on your behalf you might still have a chance (even with an exclusion). I look at it this way. They are either going to say yes or no. Nothing ventured nothing gained.... Let us know what you find out and if any of us can help you out! Elizabeth~

Well, as you know all of this depends on who you work for...from what I understand there are 4 UHC policies and one of them absolutely will not pay for WLS!! I was lucky and work for a WLS friendly company. Good luck and hopefully you'll find a loop hole and get approved. Take care, Kelli

The policy I have states that "surgical and non-surgical treament of obesity ,including morbid obesity " is excluded. I don't believe that "weight loss programs" is the same thing as weight loss surgery. This sounds like one you can get around. Read you exclusions carefully and if there are no specific exclusions for weight loss surgery then go for it. They may deny you first but appeal and give them whatever they ask for in their denial. Good luck I believe you have a great chance. Dannielle

I agree with Danielle, Weight loss program is not the same as weight loss surgery. This is not signing up for Jenny Craig, this is a whole 'nother ballgame that has different rules. I work for a company that had no exclusions for the surgery, but it did have an exclusion for Weight Loss programs. All I needed was a BMI of 35 or over. Nothing else. The best thing to do is to call UHC and ask them. When I called them I was really self conscious 'cuz they would know I was fat, but I finally figured that I didn't care, I just had to know!