I just got a letter, I just got a letter...

Well I finally received my letter! I can't believe I have it in my hot little hands! I went in for my yearly and my doc ended up spending 2 hours with me! She wrote the letter on her laptop right in front of me. I have posted it in my profile. Now the question is... do I wait until January to see if that dreaded 6-month weightloss program goes away, or do I just send it in now. I have been denied once, which I can now appeal. The next time I appeal, if I have to, will be in front of an independant review panel. Their decision is final. So... I have to be careful here. I am thinking I should wait the month ****il January) to send in the appeal. If the diet thing doesn't go away, join Weigh****chers immediately and appeal after I have gone for a month or two since I only have 6 months to appeal after the denial in October (by April). Anyone have any advice on this? Anyone been approved by Group Health who didn't have the 6-month diet? I am so worried about screwing up this chance... Thanks for any help!!! Lori

Have you tried to talk to a "friendly ear" at Group Health. . . that maybe could clue you in as to any changes coming up in January? Just a thought.

I have spoken with two different customer service reps at GH who both told me they knew nothing of the change. But they both also said that they wouldn't know anything until January. I have made the decision to send in my appeal now. I found out that I have two more appeals. The second appeal goes to the appeals committee which will give me a chance to meet them in person. If denied again, I can request an independent review. So.. if I am denied because of the supervised diet issue I will wait and appeal again in January when the requirement goes away. I am freaking out about sending it. But I am going to. Wish me luck!!! Lori

Congratulations on finally getting the letter. I agree, you should try to find out if there are any big changes coming in January. If so then it might be better to have it sent before then. If not then follow your heart and any other wise advice you can get ahold of. Good luck

Thanks for the support and encouragement Cindy. I will keep everyone posted. Lori

Could you submit it the last week so that it gets reviewed in January? Just a thought. I also suggest the calling to GH and asking a few pointed questions. I know not much help but congratulations on getting the letter. -Gerriann Lap RNY 5/14/04 143 pounds gone forever!