Will not cover

I'm screwed, right?  My insurance company has language that "no obesity treatment is covered".  so, even though my family doctor, potential surgeon, and I think I need this, even though I pay through the nose for this insurance, even though I have a BMI of 46....I'm screwed.  I am so depressed and angry.

does your inc, have a exclusion? you still maybe able to get around it , iam having that problem with mine , do you have health related problems?  sometimes iam told is how things are worded in the inc, iam still going to let my dr submit it may be denied, then i will appeal, its worth the try anyway, so dont give up, it will be worth trying anyway .      Delilah!

your dr can appeal it but also you can try obesitylaw. com great place to go to help in situations like this. They can give answers on this type of situation. nicole

Make sure that you are using the term "morbid obesity" not just "obesity."  My insurance does not pay for any treatment of obesity, such as diets, therapy, nutritionist, diet drugs, etc. but does pay for surgery for morbid obesity.  Get a copy of your entire policy or get online at the insurance companies web site and do a search for surgery for morbid obesity.  You might be missing something that could change your life!

My insurance mentions nothing of the coverage for WLS in the actual benefits. Under exclusion however, it states...The treatment of obesity, except for morbid obestiy including surgical treatment at the descrecion and under the policies outline in the individual purchasers plan. So basically my coverages is provided for UNDER an exclusion...how's that for odd!

Jeff,  Mine excludes Weight Loss Surgery....so I am in the same boat. I am trying to show them that this is NOT cosmetic surgery for me as I am diabetic and this will SAVE MY LIFE.  I will continue to fight and change carriers of needed. Keep your CHINS up! Sue

The insurance company administers the policy for the employer, if you switch carriers through your employer then it's probably an exclusion on others as well.  It is not the fault of the insurance co. it is the employer that chooses to exclude and they insurance company CANNOT overturn that nor can a lawyer, it's all in the hands of the employer.

I know this discussion is a few days old, and this information may or may not help anyone, but it has helped me. My husband works for Alltel & he has the option of Vista or BCBS of ARKANSAS. The Vista (that we currently have & have had for 6 years) completely excludes WLS no matter what the cir****tances. The BCBS plan clearly states that it covers it so for me it is just a matter of changing the carrier, which I am doing Nov. 1st & so the new one will pick up Jan. 1st for me. I was also careful to read and make sure that it wouldn't be "pre-existing" although it obviously is pre-existing as I have been overweight since I was a teenager, haha... because we are already with an Alltel provided plan nothing is considered pre-existing. I am so excited because I too was very down in the dumps after attending the seminar for my surgeon in August and then finding out my insurance wouldn't cover anything. Thank goodness I researched our 2nd insurance option. Just don't leave any stone unturned. It may pay off in a healthier life for you. Jenifer