VERIZON-Cigna Change in benefits 2008

I was also wondering what experiences any of you have had with their surgeon's office when you tell them things like this?  When I talked to my surgeon's insurance handler, she was so pessimistic and even offered to cancel the appt I have on the 19th.  I explained to her that verizon actually writes their own policy and Cigna just handles it.  She seemed so negative and said that 98% of the time, when an insurance company says it won't be covered after the first of the year, it is denied. 

If this surgeon wasn't one of the best in the Midwest, I wouldn't go back and deal with his office.  I guess they know this, maybe that's why they aren't doing me any extra favors... ;P

 

Let me offer a point of correction.  Verizon offers its employees fully funded plans, which means that Cigna offers, administers, and pays the claims on the plans.  Verizon Wireless has simply chosen not to pay for the bariatric-surgery rider, or benefit, under Cigna (most likely because of costs).  Other plans offered through Verizon Wireless--such as Kaiser Permanente (the plan that my partner and I have) and Pacificar--will continue to offer bariatric coverage next year. What you are referring to are self-funded plans, which are plans that are created by and are paid for by the employer.  In that case, Cigna would only be an administrator of the plan.  There can be stark differences and limitations with self-funded plans, which is why a lot of medical offices will stress if you mention them. In regards to the negative response by the surgeon's office, I am not surprised.  In the office's defense, it has to deal with so many different insurances and different rules surrounding submissions to each of those companies.  It can be daunting for them.  So, when the office hears about such a dramatic change such as the one Verizon Wireless is undertaking, frustration and pessimism will abound.  Of course, that is no reason for you to receive shoddy treatment!  You were simply doing your part by informing them of the possible changes; the office's feelings about the changes have nothing to do with you and should not have been communicated to you, frankly. If it's any consolation, when I was covered under a different health insurance, I had to put my doctor's office in check quite a few times about its attitude, especially when it came to health-insurance matters.  Usually, after the first or second discussion, I had no further issues.  Personally, I don't tolerate nonsense and will call anyone on it as soon as it comes out. Keep me posted on how situations are going with your surgery and insurance.

I wonder why we aren't offered pacificare.  I know Kaiser is CA based right?  I just wonder why we can only pick from Cigna. 

I appreciate your reply, let me read it a few more times and perhaps I will understand it...lol...I am not good with the technical part of this.   Are you saying Verizona is not self-funded?  I am confused.  I just want my LapBand...!

 

Has anyone heard anything new?  I just keep getting the same thing-- they say it will be covered but they won't put it in writing....grrr..

 I just wanted to bump this. I have an interview with them next week and one of the reasons i was looking into this job was b/c of the health benefits they offer. Now I am disheartened.

DO NOT GIVE UP, GO TO THE INTERVIEW.  THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT AS LONG AS YOU HAVE STARTED YOUR SUPERVISED DIET BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE THE SUREGERY IN 2008.

I am glad to hear that. It has taken me long enough to get serious about doing this. I'm tired of the red tape