2 insurance companies...good thing????

I have quite an unusual situation. I recently acquired insurance with BCBS of MS through my husband's current employer and I have also acquired insurance with United Healthcare for two months (longer if I choose to pay tons of money through COBRA) with my husband's old employer (they were made to cover us for two months because of the WARN act). I was wondering if anyone knew if this was a good thing and if I need to keep my insurance through COBRA. I don't understand how it works when you have two insurance companies. My dr's office just mailed off the forms yesterday to both companies. Anyone have any advice?

I just found out that my primary insurance company, BCBS of MS does not cover wls due to an exclusion in the policy. But I did find out that United Healthcare, which is my secondary insurance company,  does cover the surgery, but my insurance coverage ends on April 30 and I will have to pay lots through COBRA to keep my coverage. Does anyone know how long it usually takes to get approved and have surgery with United Healthcare? I'm just wondering if, in the long run, I should just self-pay. Help is much appreciated!

It can take 30 days for UHC. Keep the insurance, 3 or 4 hundred a month for a few months is better than 20k for surgery costs.

Thank you so much, Bonnie. It does make sense to keep the insurance if they make a quick decision.  Let's just pray that they make a quick, sensible decision!!! I am wanting to get the Lap-Band procedure done. Do you know if BCBS of MS will pay for my fills after I cancel the insurance with UHC? I can't afford to keep it for too long and I'm not sure if the fills are included in the surgeon's fee or if you have to pay every time you go to get a fill. My policy with BCBS of MS states that they will pay for NOTHING related to weight reduction...even if medically necessary.  Thanks so much for your help!

Your BCBS will pay for nothing to do with your band, so make sure you really wouldnt benefit from the RNY more before you file with UHC. I do not know you or your situation, but have had many, many patients not have the $300 plus dollars for fills. At least with RNY, it's done. Only yearly blood work after that, no parts and peices to wear out or break--also better weight loss.  Best wishes! Bonnie

I work at an insurance and can tell you that in alot of cases it may not matter if you have 1, 2 or even 3 insurances...some of the things that really matter is how your primary pays, what type of coordination of benefits you have and really how much you are out of pocket in the long run. I have definitely seen cases where members have 2 insurances and their 2nd policy doesn't pay a dime due to a 'nonduplication' on the policy. Unfortunately I am unable to tell these members to get rid of their 2nd insurance-trust me I would if I could.

Well, my primary insurance company doesn't cover wls and my secondary does. I did hear the insurance company representative say that I have a "nonduplication" thing in my policy. Of course, I do not know what that means. Do I need to get rid of my primary insurance since t hey don't cover wls anyway? I'm only going to have my secondary insurance through COBRA after April 30, so I'd hate to get rid of it if it won't benefit me greatly. Please tell me your advice. Thanks.