Insurance

Hi, y'all -

I just returned from a doctor visit at Kaiser.
I knew my WLS wouldn't be covered at all by their insurance, but the doc told me some plans for State employees and also Henry County employees may be covered.

Thought I'd pass this along in case you work for these agencies and your plan doesn't cover WLS..... but maybe you have the option of switching to Kaiser. 

BUT make sure you check the specific plan offered by your employer to be sure it's covered before you switch!!!!!

-- Laura

State of GA is dropping Kaiser and Blue Cross Blue Shield next year.  The only plans that cover wls for state employees is the Cigna and United Healthcare HRA and High Deductible plans.

We already did our open enrollment, so if you didn't already choose one of those plans, you'll have to wait til next year.

I am very sorry your insurance won't cover your surgery. I know how you feel. When I found out my insurance didn's cover wls I cried. I have wanted and NEEDED this surgery for so many years and it seemed impossible. I am just now seeing the light at the end of the tunnell. Luckily State of GA is going to start covering wls in January and I picked the right plan to make sure I have the benefit.

Where do you work? Does your employer offer any other insurance companies that may cover the wls? Are you married? If so can you get on your husband's insurance? Self pay sucks. It wasn't an option for me cause I don't have that kinda money and don't see myself going into debt for this surgery.

I pray God will open a door and make a way for you to get your surgery.

So glad to see you posting. Keep in touch.

 

Oh, I think y'all already told me about State employees.  My bad.  I think what threw me was when she mentioned Henry County.  I was thinking... why not the other counties???  Anyway, sorry for the confusion.

I'm so glad your insurance will cover WLS in January.  What a relief!!!

I am self-employed, so I'm on an individual policy.  Individual policies offer nothing in comparison to group policies  and they cost three times as much!!!  And no hubby for me.  Oh, well.  My final car payment is in the summer, so I'm trying to look at it as just transferring my car payment into a surgery payment .  Luckily this vehicle should last a while...no problems at all so far, thankfully.

Hopefully I'll have some good news to tell you when we get together at Marietta Diner next month for the Meet "n Greet.  I'm going to send my paperwork to the surgeon by the end of this month, so hopefully things will fall into place and we'll get the ball rolling quickly!

Ok, check around. The prices vary a lot from what I've learned so far. Some offices give discounts to self pay people.  Some people even go out of the country which I found bizzare, until I found out I'd be going out of state myself. So, explore all your options and don't give up!!!

I'd be afraid to go out of the country for WLS, but I can understand why people do it.

I've found the surgeon I'd like to use and he's actually close by, so that's good.  I like having someone "local" just in case.  I think his price seems to be mid-range for the surgery I'm looking at, which is VSG.  And I've been attending several of his support group sessions, so I'm making friends with some of his former patients.  Such nice people... and very helpful!

Hey Laura.

Sorry to hear about your Ins.  Hang in there and keep us posted on your decisions!!

  Hugs.

G

Hello Laura,
I'm sorry to hear about your insurance. But I was a self pay too and I went to a Doctor in Alabama, the doctor was very good but the hospital I can not say a lot about. I'm very pleased with my out come and it has been just a little over 2 years now and I'm still feeling wonderful. I would not change a thing but wish that my insurance would cover what I paid out. I'm still fighting and Hoping that someday they will see it my way.

Hug's
Jeannie

Jeannie -

Wow, you've done an amazing job!   Insurance is a funny thing with what they'll cover.  Oh, well.  I've spent much more than the cost of this surgery on diets/gyms/equipment  in the past, so maybe it'll save me money in the long run. But then there's plastics....

What does it mean to be an OH leader?  I've been trying to find more sleeve patients and see their long-term results, but most people don't seem to hang around here as much after a few years.   And since the sleeve is so new, it makes it tougher.  Do you know any sleevers that are 3+ years out and how they've done?  I'm considered a "lightweight" since my BMI is right around 40. 

Thanks, Jeannie!

-- Laura

Hello Laura,

I have a couple of people that I can get you in contact with that have had the Sleeve. But they went to Mexico to have it done. they have not had many problems. They are just a little more than a year post opp. But I think that they could help you. I even have one that is just a few months post opp and she comes to my meetings. I will be holding my next meeting in January 2009. I will post you some information when I get home this evening from work.

Hug's
Jeannie

Thanks, Jeannie -
I have met several people with the sleeve who are about a year out.  One is almost a year and a half out.  I think I already have my surgeon in Atlanta.  I'm more interested in the long-term results, problems, weight re-gain, etc.
I appreciate the help!

-- Laura