What Now?

Hi, I am a Utah resident. I had Value Care (U of U employee) as my insurance for a few years. I was denied from Value Care. Since then I have changed jobs (one month ago). I now work for IHC and have been told they will deny you although I have not asked Has anyone applied through IHC and got approved or do you have any tips to apply?

IHC has a clause in their insurance saying that they will not pay for weight loss. so they won't even look at your history or anything. Sorry but good luck.

I have IHC insurance and just received my denial letter this week. Gastric bypass is completely excluded. I have tried to appeal to them over the past three years. I even talked to a lawyer who said he doesn't know of a lawyer who has won a case against IHC or is even willing to try because it seems to be impossible. I wish I had better news for you. I myself am leaving my employment (after seven years0 at IHC for another company that has insurance that will cover this. Good luck. Keep trying -- it will be worth it!

Hi~ I have IHC insurance and there is no way they will pay for the surgery, it is a written exclusion. I ended up paying for it myself and I was pleased to find that when comparing my bill to other recent post-ops that it was by far the lowest. I had no complications and am currently expecting a check from Cottonwood Hospital for $4305.00 because the actual amount of my bill was that much less than what I pre-paid. I am hoping to write some of it off on my taxes as well, WLS is eligible as a medical deduction. BTW, I had my surgery three weeks ago and I am doing great! I have heard that Aetna and United Healthcare (National plan, not Utah) pay for the surgery. If you can change jobs or want to work more I know that Convergys, Discover Card, GE and several other companies with a national presence use those plans. Good Luck! Angela

Hi, Another fellow ValueCare rejectee here, I actually went in to my 1st consultation with my surgeon ready to self-pay, because I knew it was a lost cause, and the office manager wanted to try anyway, Yup, Denied. I even tried to get my attorney husband to write a letter, and HE didn't even feel (because of how it's written) that we have a case. Just want to wish you luck, and hope that you can still find a way to get the surgery (and hopefully find an Ins. co. to pay) ~~~Rebecca