PUSH

Alot of times people ask or say I did a 6 month's supervised diet, I called and they told my insurance doesn't cover surgery. PUSH them, move THEM out of your way....YOU are on a mission. That mission is to improve your life. Don't take NO for an answer. Don't get discouraged if they tell you there is criteria to met, be like Nike and just do it! You push them until thre is no other alternative. And who knows you may be able to get them to change their mind and root in yoru favor, it takes time though. It does not happen over night even though we would all love for it too. Be patient (I know easier said then done) have determination and ***** One thing I strongly suggest is if you don't have your Summary Plan Descrition Booklet, go to HR and request one...by law they have to provide you with this information. Secondly would be to find out if your employeer is self funded. If your employer is self funded then you will be fighting with them...proving to them this surgery works and for what reasons. Write your State Senator's. If your employer decided not to buy the policy without WLS covereage then talk to them, tell thim how not only you but, others can benefit from this surgery. Sometimes they will change plans at open enrollment. I hope this will help someone in some way.  FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT..........BELIEVE IN YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

Something that you said that very much rings true.  One of the ways to make changes in a plan that does not provide coverage for weight-loss surgery is to talk with your company's benefit department or human resources, whichever handles the benefits.  This fact is especially true if your employer is self-funded. Employers will not be willing to change a plan if they are unaware that people need certain services.  Speak up and yell if you have to.  Your health is more than important enough! Also, while you are pushing through the insurance companies and their red tape, be informed about what you are pushing through.  Try to know the tactics of the insurance company (I hate to make it sound like a war), so that you can fight more intelligently as opposed to swinging wildly hoping you can land a blow someplace.  You'll save yourself a lot of time if you know the details of your plans and know what your rights are.