Insurance-Health Choice-Oklahoma Education System

Hello everyone...long time no post :-( Been very busy raising my 1 year old gd...she turned 1 yesterday. I'm going to post this in the Oklahoma board tool.  My sister works for the State Of Oklahoma Education System.   She Health Choice Insurance... ...as anyone had experiance with this insurance and WLS? Any input is appreciated. I met my goal, and striving to maintain right now. I'm doing well and very happy that I had WLS. I purchased my first new pair of jeans this week...size 9 juniors....it felt WONDERFUL.

I have HealthChoice and they have a specific exclusion against WLS and any complications from the surgery.  I had to take out a loan for my surgery.  It totally sucks!

I work for DHS and have Healthchoice Insurance.  The State of Oklahoma has made an exclusion not to allow any insurance company  for state employees to offer coverage for weight loss surgery.  What I find ironic is that Soonercare will allow our  clients to have this surgery  but will not allow their own employees the same right.  It is very obvious that the State cares more for the clients that receive our services than for the employees of the State of Oklahoma who administer  these programs, teach our children, or work for the State in any capacity.  I'm glad that Soonercare is there for people who have that coverage.  I am a little upset with the double standard that as state employees we are not given the same consideration.  I had to take out a home equity loan on my house that has been paid off for three years in order to save my life and have this surgery.  Granted Healthchoices did pay some of the necessary testing which did save me some money.  I'm glad I had the surgery and do not regret it at all.  I will just be in debt for the next 10 years. Other  than having this surgery, I'm pretty happy with the coverage by Healthchoice and know that its a decision not to cover wls made by the upper brass in the State. I wish you sister luck in her journey in wls.

Timely post!  I actually addressed the OSEEGIB products board this AM.  They are slightly considering adding coverage for WLS for '09.  Don't know if they will.  It won't help me whatever they do.  I am scheduled in 4 weeks!!!

Good luck with your surgery....I have not once regretted my decision to have my RNY.

 Thanks for your input!

 TTFN Lady

i have oklahoma education insurance, with Health Choice.  Which does not cover WLS at all.  My husband added me to his insurance in January just so i could have bypass.  I am doubled covered right now because the state dept of education pays for my insurance.  Health Choice has covered some copays that BCBS Federal (hubby's insurance) didnt, which has been nice.  I was approved within days with BCBS Fed and have surgery in 12 DAYS!!!! Tell your sister good luck! Nicole

Thank you everyone for your time and information. I'm very disapointed for my sister, but I'm sure we'll find an answer to help save her life.

I haven't had that insurance for years...not since it was $500 for a family of 4. I don't have it even now that mine is considered no charge..the family is still ridiculously high. We are on my husband's insurance because the cost is more reasonable. Neither company would cover the surgery, so we went private pay through Capital One. Care Credit is also available.