OMG!!! Fantastic News!!

Many of you know that my best friend, aka Dear Husband, aka Ben has been in the process of applying to Duke for his own WLS. We had been told by his insurer that his employer had a specific exclusion to anything related to weight loss, including any WLS. We were disappointed, but he has Medicare so we knew that they would pay because he more than meets the criteria, but required a 6 month medically supervised weight loss attempt. When that was done, it wasn't done 'properly' and Ben has been in the process of doing it again. As long as he had to submit to the primary carrier and have them deny the surgery to submit it to Medicare, we decided to move forward and have Duke submit the package to UHC so that they could deny it due to the exclusion so that Ben would be ready for submission to Medicare. Wellllll, guess what?! His primary, UHC sent Ben a letter that he received yesterday indicating that he's been 'APPROVED' for surgery. Now, he needs to contact Duke to get a surgery date.

WOW!!! What a wonderful week this is turning out to be! Full of new beginnings.

Thanks to all who have rallied their support and concern as we have navigated the sometimes bumpy road to insurance approval. I know that there is still a lot of 'work' to be done, but honestly, it feels like it's downhill from here! We'll let you know when he gets a date.

Your warmth and support have really meant a lot to both of us.

Warmest regards,

Barb

How FANTASTIC!  Your post gave me chills as I read it.  I know Ben must be elated just as you are.  Congratulations to the both of you!

Hi Donna,

Thanks so much! You are very right ... we are both absolutely delighted at the new lease on life he is about to embark on.

Barb

Some things are just meant to be!  I'll bet you can't wait for Ben to step off of that plane and into your arms now more than ever.  So many things for you both to celebrate together this weekend...new beginnings indeed!  {{{Hugs!!!}}}

Thanks Shauna!

His news is like the icing on the cake, the cherry on top ... it just makes such a lovely time of new beginings even sweeter and more precious.

 

Hi Barb,

That is wonderful news indeed, my friend!!  I know Ben and I discussed at last month's meetup that we would pretty much be in the insurance fight boat together.  Well, I'm really happy he gets to get out of that boat!!  I can't wait to watch his transformation.  Please give him my best and tell him congrats!!

Looking forward to seeing you both at the next meeting!

All my best,

Hi Angela,

I will forward this to him. I know he'll be glad to see it. Unfortunately, I won't see you at the next meeting because I'll be in NYC with Sarah. She has another medical followup appointment with her orthopedic surgeon. But I'm sure Ben will be there beaming! I'll be back for the October meeting.

Wishing you success in your own quest for approval.

Warmest regards,

Barb

This is wonderful news for you and Ben!!!
I told Ben at the meetup not to give up and to stay on top of it.
I am so happy for you both.
You know Barb, I am a Ben fan and he is one of my favorite people.
I have a pic that was taken of Ben and I at the last meetup I will have to send it to you.
As far as you not being at the meetup in September you will be there with us in spirit.
You will never know how much your friendship and advice has helped me.
Now it is Ben's turn to take this wonderful journey.
                                         Annie

Hi Annie,

Thanks so much for your loving support and friendship. It means a great deal.

I'd love to see the photo of you and Ben sometime.

I'll see you soon.

Hugs,

Barb

About damned time!

Woohoo for Ben!