OPEN ENROLLMENT SEASON! NOW IS THE TIME!

NOW IS THE TIME TO SHOP FOR A INSURER THAT MAY BE MORE FAVORABLE FOR WLS THAT YOUR EMPLOYER OFFERS. NEXT YEAR.   and make sure that wls is included as a benefit and will continue as one.   If your union, its easier. as a employer has to be more open.  but dont assume that what is enclude today will continue next year.  many companies are not renewing the wls riders for 2007  as wls becomes more popular.  and thus more expensive they are dropping it.

Something else to consider for open enrollment is possibly signing up for a flexible spending account during this time.  Since so many people end up with excess skin after surgery (and most insurance plans list such a procedure as cosmetic), they'll be looking to get the skin removed.  Signing up for a flexible spending account can help you plan financially for this procedure if needed.  Just remember though:  if you do not use the money, you will lose it.

I have a Flex account and it states clearly that the money cannot be used for cosmetic surgery.  I thought that would be the way to go when I'm ready for plastics but as long as it is considered "cosmetic", which most of it is, you can't use it.

That's interesting because I have been reimbursed for claims for "cosmetic" surgeries in the past as well as for mounds of cosmetic work for my teeth.  I have also adjudicated countless FSA claims for seemingly cosmetic procedures, so I am inclined to believe that that limitation is predicated by your employer.

That might be the case.  I was thinking that as insurance has different restrictions, so might flex accounts.  I know I'll get my abdominoplasty paid for since I have diagnosed spinal stenosis and back pain which will be helped by tightening up the abdominal muscles but the arms and chin area will probably be cosmetic and out of pocket.