OPEN ENROLLMENT TIME @ WORK

So, it's open enrollment time where I work again and of course any treatment for weight loss is excluded still. I had talked to the benefits specialist and she said that there were no plans to change this exclusion ever. I am still venting here. I live and pay taxes in a State that provides bariatric surgery to Soonercare members. I am Extremly frustrated that the Hospital where I have worked for so many years refuses to even consider providing this necessary treatment to their employees. Finding another job is really not some thing that I want  to do since I work for one of the major employers in my community. I feel utterly hopeless.

I am so sorry for your ins being so incensitive.  Keep pushing you never know how your constant requests may affect someone with the power.

Can you write a letter to the higher ups? Tonja

That is pretty sad...  that they don't cover and you WORK in the health business!   Would www.obesitylaw.com be an option?  I just saw a thread on the main board about it... You'll find it here: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/a,messageboard/action ,replies/board_id,4856/cat_id,4456/topic_id,3468908/

Granted I have gotten myself in near bad enough shape (knees, back, and bad sleep due to apnia) that its hard for me to take just any job, but the ones I could work I ask myself this when I see them in the Jobs section of the paper...."Do they cover WLS?"  It ****** my mom off that I am reluctant to take another job sitting on my fat keister answering calls AGAIN (been doing that for 13 years now) at yet another call center that wont cover WLS.  I finally got in with Directv and found out their insurance DID cover it and was working my way up to where I would be able to request the time needed off for the surgery and what happens?  I fall asleep due to exhaustion from not sleeping good, while on the phone with a customer none the less.  Needless to say I got fired.  I tried to plead my case but it did no good what so ever.  Gahh I swear the insurance world is so against those of us wanting this surgery!! sorry rant over...for now....

Sorry about that, OkieWolf... That does suck.  Have you had a sleep study or do you use a cpap machine already?  I don't have a cpap (yet) but from what I've read, those who can manage to use it regularly do see a difference in their sleep and their alertness during the day. Dot

I feel for you. I went through the whole process a couple times and in the end the insurance tells me that the employer added the clause of no wls to their policy. I had asked several times before starting the process and was told that yes they covered it for medical nessesity. Last year my husband and I separtated and I was lucky enough that I qualified for soonercare on myself. Not lucky in the way that I am finacially suffering but in the fact that maybe finally i will get my wls and be able to go back to work full time and make a decent living. I think the lord works in mysterious ways. With enough prayer and patience it will work out for you in some way. God Bless you and my thoughts and prayers are for you.