Anyone work for Cingular/Have UHC Coverage?

Wanted to see if anyone else has had any luck. I am on the EPO plan under United Healthcare and work for Cingular. I have called in twice now and got inconsistent information. One rep told me it isn't covered no matter what, and another rep told me it isn't covered unless a doctor sends in a letter saying it is medically necessary. To anyone that works for the company, is it possible by any angle to get it covered under the EPO? If not, do any of the other plans offered during open enrollment cover it?

I used to have coverage under the EPO option under Cingular Wireless through my partner, and I do remember the surgery's being covered. There were quite of few people who worked with my partner who underwent the surgery under UnitedHealthcare as well. I cannot remember the details of the coverage, but my suggestion to you is to ask for a copy of an explanation of coverage from UnitedHealthcare (when you signed up for the policy) so that you can review the coverage details for weight-loss surgery. I do know that weight-loss surgery of any kind is going to require pre-certification, which would be submitted by your primary care provider. The pre-certification serves to demonstrate medical necessity for weight-loss surgery. Let me know if you need any further assistance.

I do not work for Cingular but do have UHC. I was just approved on Tuesday. I went through Hell getting my file to the correct department, which is CARE COORDINATION. Read my profile. This is a very difficult company to work with until you get a case worker. Mine was Dan Ellenveyer. Look at your policy. Even if it says written exclusion it could still be covered if it says medically necessary and you met the requirements of BMI of 40 or a BMI of 35 with 2 major comorbities. You can email me if you want. Best of luck. Dena Becker

I work for AIG and have UHC -EPO plan also. I was recently denied by UHC quoting that it was a "plan exclusion". I have just mailed my appeal letter and hopfully I will hear from UHC by the end of the month.  I was orginally told that it was covered, so I began going to all the  surgical skills group meetings- exercise, nutrition, psych/behavior modification and then with the surgeon. Paid all the co-pays. Never received a bill from the hospital. When the time came for the surgeon to get the final ok, he received a denial letter. Needless to say, I was  devasted. I'm going to fight this ALL the way!  Good Luck to you too.  

I work for Cingular out of the Lubbock Call Center.  I tried to speak to somone at UHC to see if the procedure is covered.  I was told no because it's a plan exclusion.  I asked to see a copy of SPD but so far no one has been able to dig up a copy.  I'm gonna keep pushing the issue and see where this goes.

I am also an employee of the ATT, but not cingular. I know it is covered under our UHC EPO policy, with the 35 bmi and co morbidities or 40 bmi. But I can't help much otherwise. Sorry, and I wish you good luck in finding out

I have UHC EPO thru Verizon and I was told it's covered as long as it's medically necessary.  I was also told by my Dr's office that there have been recent changes and they are 2 years of a non-surgical attempts of weight loss and 5 years of documented weight. If anyone has heard of this, can you please let me know.