??? ABOUT UHC

Ok guys I know that some of y'all have got to know the answer to this, or can point me in the direction I need to go to find my answer.  I am looking at purchasing a policy thru united healthcare.  I want to make sure that it covers wls.  This is the only thing that I can find on wls.  Is this an exclusion?? I mean I thought that aesthetic meant to make beautiful, pleasing to one's eye.  WLS isnt cosmetic or aesthetic, is it? I thought that United was one of the easiest to get apporved on?  This is just a general policy too.  I mean it isnt thru an employer or anything that can write out an exclusion.  Please give me any advice.  Thanks!

General Exclusions

• Are incurred for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons, such as

weight modification or surgical treatment of obesity.

I do believe that means its excluded. It's hard to purchase your own policy the includes WLS, most self-funded plans do not cover it. Bonnie

If there is ANY other insurance company you can get insurance with I highly suggest it. I do medical billing and am constantly in contact with dozens of insurance companies. Since United Healthcare merged with Blue Shield a year or so ago it is a constant fight to get them to pay. Also, since they have outsoursed (to India I think) I have great difficulty understanding what the Reps. are saying. I have to make at least 4 calls to get things paid and then it is only when asking to speak to a supervisor and telling them how I feel about having to make all these calls and nothing gets done. I have talked to two WLS offices and they both told me Blue Cross is one of the easiest ones to grant approval.  Hope this helps you,  Kim