I feel so down....

I have 2 major medical insurances and none of them cover a bypass, which I really need. My IHC insurance was supposed to cover the surgery starting this January, but they offered it as a rider rather than as part of the regular health plan and my employer (also IHC) has chosen to not offer it to their employees. I was told they were going to cover it and prepared over an 8 month period to have the surgery only to find out through rumors that it wasn't going to be covered. My husband's insurance, PEHP, also doesn't cover it. I have been so depressed that it is hard to get out of bed and do anything! But I have 3 kids and have to keep on going. But my health is failing and I feel trapped. Oh well, I just wanted to vent. Good luck to everyone else.

Rebecca, I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling down. From what I've read in other profiles you just have to keep informing and pressuring your insurance. Keep going up the ladder to the next person in charge and better yet do it in person. Maybe make a "weight history" print out with pictures attached, get a letter of necessity from your physician. Don't get sad.......get mad. I've heard of people getting another job to get an insurance program that does cover it. If you decide that you absolutely need this surgery then make it your priority. Let the insurance company know why they should pay for it now versus all the complications and costs of bad health 5,10,20 years from now. Good luck, keep your head up. It only gets better from here Rebecca. Andre Smit

Thanks for your response. It is funny because my hospital just started a bariatric program - they even built a special unit for it. And now my IHC insurance at my IHC hospital won't cover it. Other employers with IHC insurance can offer the benefit, but IHC won't offer it to their own employees. They are well aware of the benefits.

Rebecca....are you going to be a self pay then or are you going to keep trying with the insurance route? Tami~