In the nick of time

Some of you may recall my insurance journey - it took over a year for me to get approval, and that was with DAILY vigilance.

Yesterday my husband was in a work meeting with their "finance guy." Along the way the topic of health care came up, and he said this. Of course, they are worried about cost containment all the time. But they have hit on ONE sure fire angle on the cost issue.

They no longer cover bariatric surgery.

I was the LAST PERSON who had surgery covered under their plan.

It looks like they no longer cover my post op labs but I can manage that....

It all just became that much MORE valuable!

wow what a shame. I am glad you go in under the wire, but really sad for those who wont get this life saving surgery

Lynn,

I'm glad you had your surgery in time.  I just had my labs done and it was near $600, not including my doctor visit.  My deductible is high, so it's all out of pocket for me - HOWEVER, when I think of all the medical bills I had prior to my surgery -- there is no comparison to this.  I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to have a completely new and healthy life.

CONGRATULATIONS on your success....you look great!

Debbie 

You were lucky, Lynn!!!  Would your labs be covered if your primary asked for them instead of Dr. P?  You could request a copy be sent to her.

Wow. How sad for those still needing surgery under that plan, and how fortunate for you. Like you said makes you appreciate your surgery even more.

I hope all the executives in that insurance company get fat and need to have WLS and cant!  No I dont really but I had to vent real quick.  LOL.  I agree with Nicole, what a shame. 

Swede

Truly a shame when the insurance wonks can't see how shortsighted those decisions are.  They'd rather pay for years of medications, CPAP machines, complications from diabetes/high blood pressure/whatever, rather than cover one surgery and its followups.  Makes no sense fiscally or from a health management perspective.  None at all.

Karen

Wow - my insurance did the same thing - it's terrible.

Oh and for the labs - have your PCP order them and they will get covered. I have never had a problem even though they claim they won't pay for them.