insurance

Dr. Keith's office called and said that my insurance will only cover 5,000. on weight lose surgery!!! So, I started looking for other insurance. This wonderful man named Mike, from United Health called. The first question I had is "will this company cover weight lose surgery. Will it cover more than 5,000." He replied, Yes, espically since you have a BMI is over 50. They will cover 70%!!!!!! Coverage will start the 1rst of Sept.!!!! Will receive my cards and things in about 1 week!!That made my day!!!

Hey - that is good news!  I'm glad you have found someone to take care of you! Tonja

I read what you wrote twice. Your insurance company will only pay $5000.00? What kind of company is that? And what kind of surgery are you getting? Last question Did you tell Mike you wanted that in writing? Like in black and white. No gray print and no small print and in English. Sorry I do not trust insurance companies. Becareful that they don't use the fancy language that says"" Since you have already started WLS we find that we can not cover said surgery until you are with us 6 months or one year. And then make sure you do not have to do a 3 or 6 month diet, to be approved. ""Do not mean to put a damper on your parade I just don't want you to get the runaround. blessings..........Pattye

Wow, it sounds like you've been through a mess.  Did you contact your origianl insurance complany and ask them what your policy covered?? You can NOT go off of one person's word on ANYTHING in the insurance realm!!! (spoken from one who learned the hard way). Perhaps the doctors office ment that the insurance would only pay $5,000 to the surgeon and it didn't include all the other medical bills from a surgery(Ie. lab, hospital) Well, if you've already gotten other insurance then I guess it's too late. But did you really deal with the new insurance company. Dont just go by the word of whoever sold you the policy..... GET IT IN WRITING!!!  You need PROOF that wls is a covered benefit on YOUR policy.  I'd call them back today and tell ask them to fax you the written policy regarding wls.  Best of wishes on your upcoming surgery..... you're gonna love your new life.  HUGS

I have BCBS PPO from Arkansas. I talked to the person at my husbands work that does the  benefits. She said that is how the company wanted it in their policy about wls. With the other insurance, I did get want they cover and dont cover by fax. You do have to be on a Dr. approved diet for 6 months. But I have did on one for over a year now. So that part really didn't bother me.  

Hi,      Getting a new insurance company to cover a pre-existing condition is going to be difficult (to say the least).  They will insist on a probation period, where pre-existing conditions are not covered.  If you have ever had your weight recorded by your doctor that put you in the obese category, then you have a pre-existing diagnosis for obesity.  You may want to stick with you original insurance company.  If you haven't cancelled, ypu can go through the appeals process. Terry

I agree, even though you are covered by an insurance company when the diagnosis was made there may still be a waiting period. Also they may not cover you for wls surgery for several years due to the fact that you MIGHT drop them once you have the wls. As much as I hate it insurance companies are out to make a profit for their share holders, if they ran around covering wls for new subscribers that turn around a dump them then they'd be broke! Just my thoughts on the matter.