Insurance Excluded

I just found out my new insurance has bariatric surgery excluded . I was so hopeful that it would cover this surgery for me. I thought I had really good insurance, but I guess I was wrong. I'm also wondering if sometimes they tell you it's excluded so they don't have to pay? I'm going to ask them to send me a copy of my policy anyway I guess so I can see for myself. Also, I'm on the Mississippi Coast, Ocean Springs to be exact. I'm not against looking for a new job if it means I had coverage for WLS. If anyone knows a certain employer that has insurance that covers WLS, would you mind posting that for me? Thanks! Shannon

Hey Shannon! Welcome to the board! I dunno about insurances since mine was covered with tricare and I had it done at Keesler. BUT check into Vocational Rehab....several folks on here have gotten their surgery by using them. I think they tell you to begin with that they won't help, but then turn around and do help! Were you in Ocean Springs during Katrina? How did you fare? I am planning a trip for my one year checkup towards the end of the month - or when ever I can get an appt! Watch the boards. I will post when I will be there and I hope to get a bunch of you coastal girls to meet up with me for lunch! Smoochies Arlies

What is vocational rehab? I'll definately check into that. And yes, I have lived in Ocean Springs/Biloxi area for the last 15 years. I was evacuated to Jackson when Katrina hit but able to return the next week. I was luckily on the northeast end of Ocean Springs and stayed high and dry from the storm. My roof needs replaced and some other little damage, but I consider myself very very lucky. I am in a new job since the storm since my casino sunk, and I really don't like my job. I am looking for a new job and definately would consider just about any job with insurance that will pay for WLS! And yes, please let us know when you're coming to town. I'd like to meet you and others that have had or are having WLS.

Shannon, I was in the same boat with you. I use to work for a casino down there that had an exclusion to a policy I was never able to see or get also. During my research the only places i know that had insurance to cover it was Cingular Wireless and Try Try Again for the Goverment Jobs. I've never seen anyone turned down with Federal BCBS insurance. I might be wrong but thats what I found out. I'm your neighbor from Gautier but Katrina brought us up to Memphis and I got a temp job and they happen to have SRC Atena... im waiting for approval now as we speak so I wish you the best.

I AM with Cingular !!! hrmmmmm

OHHHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I'm sorry to say but I know for sure they use to pay for it. I guess with the merger of ATT Wireless they cut that out. The nearest Voc Rehab I think is in Gulfport. I had made an attempt to go that route but my PCP at the time was money hungry prolonging each visit 3 weeks here and 4 weeks there canceling my appointment here. So we had to let her and that part of my dream go sniff sniff. Wish I could help more.

Dear Shannon, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I worked in Ocean Springs at the Cingular Call Center for two years in Tech Support and I know for sure they don't cover WLS. I had to use my husband's military insurance to get it done. I think your best bet would be to check into self pay and financing options. Sorry Hope your job isn't stressing you too much. I just moved to Jacksonville last month. Whose team are you on? Good luck at Cingular, they've really taken care of us after Katrina and I loved my job there. I miss it ~Andie~

HI SHANNON, SORRY ABOUT YOUR INS. PROBLEMS. I WAS TOLD WAL-MART FULL TIME EMPLOYEES COULD GET INS AND IT COVERS WLS, I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS A WAITING PERIOD OR NOT, ALSO A LADY THAT WORKS FULL TIME FOR "MARKET PLACE" OR WINN-DIXIE TOLD ME THEIR INS SUPPORTS WLS. I AM TRYING TO GO THRU VOC REHAB MYSELF FOR GOING ON 2 YRS, BUT I HAVEN'T GIVEN UP, BUT GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

I'm going to go look into both those places. I really dislike my job and am ready to quit anyway. My neighbor works for Wal Mart. I'm going to ask her if I can see her insurance handbook or whatever that is.

I'm just out of transition and I'm moving to Margeurite Dacey's team tomorrow. I really don't think I'm going to last much longer especially since finding out their insurance doesn't cover WLS. I have basically tolerated it this far hoping it did cover the surgery. Now I have no reason to stay.