Any DSer's in Ohio covered by insurance?

Hello all. I am looking into insurance companies and attempting to apply during open enrollment when they cannot turn me down. I would love to choose a company that has an open mind regarding DS coverage. Not that I want to go through all the pain-in-the-ass steps that you non-self payers have to deal with.... But money is sparse in my world right now and I am unsure when I'd even get enough to self pay. The companies I have the opportunity to join in the near future are Summa Care, Inc. The Health Plan Super Med HMO HMO Health Ohio If anyone has been approved for the DS by any of these companies please let me know. I will be paying DEARLY for insurance so I may only sign up if I have a good chance of getting the DS through the company. Thanks, Jenn

Jenn, Typically you can't buy an insurance policy that will cover any bariatric surgery, you have to get it though a major employer that is able to purchase a surgical weight loss rider as part of their contract. Your best bet if you can is to research employers in your area that provide surgical weight loss coverage and try to get on there if you can. Good luck! Dr. C Cincinnati, Ohio Got a question? Ask the doctor at www.TheBandDoctor.com 877.442.BAND DISCLAIMER: I am not your surgeon, any comments made by me are not meant to be taken as medical advice, just general guidelines. Contact your surgeon about your specific problem!

Jenn, I don't know about those, but I had United Healthcare via the Federal program and they were fantastic. My only problem was that they pulled out of the FEHB program right after my surgery. I couldn't beleive they covered me when they could have easily denied me and by the time I could do an appeal they would not have been covered. So if they are available, check them out. I'm currently under Blue Cross which also covers the DS, but the out of pocket expense would have been much higher. UHC only cost me $250 out of pocket! Good Luck, Lloyd

Insurance companies are so different from policy to policy -- it makes it tough to really know. Just be sure there isn't an exclusion for WLS or the DS. I have Anthem and had no problems but I have seen many posts from folks who have had nothing but trouble and fighting to get approved. Sorry this isn't much help -- Good Luck!! Kim