Insurance

Does anyone have Empire Plan - It is the one designed for NY State Employees through UHC and Blue Cross. If anyone has or knows anything about the plan, have you received approval for your surgery? How long did it take? I am scheduled for 9/13 and my docs office just submitted it yesterday. This wait is driving me crazy! Will appreciate any help! Claire (Message also posted on the main board)

I don't think the surgeon would have given you a date if he didn't feel you would be approved.....so sit tight and let the doctor work his magic with the insurance company....did you find out what the requirements was for WLS under your policy....and if yes did you meet all of them.... I wish you the best in your journey.....I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you... Christine 346/231/?

Thanks Christine... I guess you are right.. I am obssessing... Nothing better to do until surgery date. Thanks, Claire

Hi there! I have th same insurance and was approved in 2 days. Good luck to you!

Thanks Erin. Two days... wow.... I will call the surgeon's office tomorrow to see if they have heard back from the insurer... Empire is pretty good. They even cover In Vitro Fertilization, so I think they should not have a problem with this. Thanks! Claire

Dear Claire, I have the same plan -- I have my 2nd meeting with Dr. Cooperstone tomorrow and then they go through the approval process -- I don't have a date yet -- but they told me it wouldn't take long. It was encouraging to see that Erin got approved in two days. Good luck I'm sure it won't be a problem. Love Debbie

I broke down and called the insurance and found out that all they require is a letter from the surgeon stating that the surgery is needed and then they approve it. Nice!!!! I am calling the surgeon's office tomorrow - Dr. Shah - to find out how it is going. Good luck to you! Claire

Hi Claire, I have the Empire plan as a NYS employee, my approval took less than 2 days from the point of the doctor's office mailing out the documentation. I think I included the actual dates on my page. Good luck on your surgery, 9/13 is my daughters b-day, and she was my miracle on that day so I am sure that day will hold a miracle for you

Thank you Dawn, your speedy approval encourages me. Also I was reading the insurer profile on this website and no one has been declined on Empire. That is encouraging too. I am calling my docs office tomorrow to make sure everything has been submitted. Thanks for the well wishes for my surgery date. To say I am nervous is an understatement. But I have all the faith that the Lord will bring me through this and that this surgery is what I need to do to become a healthy mom and wife. Claire