HOPE - Don't Ever Give Up

I am seeing more people getting denied and it truly touches my heart. I just want to share an article with you all and show you that there is ALWAYS hope, as long as you believe. Sometimes it is just not as quick as want it. I am so glad I fought and am now making a difference in other people's life's. http://visciolaw.com/UploadedDocuments/harrahs.pdf Gina

I fought hard and long and won but then the insurance company refused to pay my surgeon after words but my surgeon made a great deal with me and I paid him off out of pocket. Donna

Gina..... My name is Gina also. First let me tell you that I want to be what you are...and inspiration and a beaken of light and hope to so many who want to change their life through obesity surgery. I am fighting this battle and hope to win. I can't imagine being the only person in a company that has 15,000 employees that wants Lap-Band. If I am approved or can get the company to change it's policy then I will help all these other folks that need surgery. My company, Alcoa, is self-funded also. After reading the article it states that ERISA is what governs how these self-funded plans are administered. One of the sentances states that how the company designs the rules has to be uniform and non discriminitory. Well, my company has different policies depending on which state you live in. I live in MASS and I have Highmark BC/BS, whereas people who live in the neighboring state of CT have Cigna. They both cover bariatric surgery but only Cigna allows for Lap-Band. That is not what I would call uniform coverage. I am charged the same premium for my insurance as employees in CT but not allowed the same benifit. Do you think that is considered a violation of ERISA? I only ask you hoping you will know because of all your experience with this. I so want to go to your lawyer and talk to them about this but I just don't have the extra money to do that. Any help you can give or light you could shed. It could ultimately help hundreds of people and that's my true goal. Bless you for all of the hard word and congratulations on the new life you've carved for yourself. We need more people like you out there fighting the good fight. Gina B.

Gina, Thank you for your kind words. I would think your situation is a violation of ERISA but, I am no expert. If I were you I would contact Gary Viscio http://www.obesitylawyers.com/ He will give you advise as to where you should turn or what you should do next. Tell him Gina sent you! He really is a caring person and will explain everything to you. Try emailing him and he will get back to you. Gary has won cases like yours so, I know he can give you the best advise out there. Good luck and please let me know how it turns out. ALWAYS remember to keep your eye on the prize and BELIEVE. If you want to talk just shoot me an email [email protected] Gina