Gary, Paul in Dallas, please read

My husband is in dire need of weight loss surgery (RNY), but my Cigna plan has it as an exclusion.  He is a veteran, and a full-time student (over the age of 30).  I have given some thought to taking him off my insurance and attempting to get him insured with a company that does not exclude weight loss surgery.   What do you think is the best option?  Appeal through Cigna, or switch?  We live in FL, BTW.  If anyone else has any info, I'd really appreciate it!  Private pay is not an option for us.

Is your husband qualified for VA benefits?  if so, check with your local VA.  My husband is retired Navy and is VA qualified, so that might be an avenue to take

I think the suggestion to check into VA coverage is excellent.  Exclusions are difficult to fight but I would sure exhaust appeals.  Buying insurance to coverage will be expensive and difficult but I don't have information on this. Gary sounds pretty affordable.  I would ask him to review your coverage if you can afford it. Jim Randall

Buying insurance will not work.  I exhausted this option for me.  The under writters will exclude it in order to cover someone that is severely obese. He is a VET.  Look into those benefits. I feel that is the very best avenue.  Second option would be to change jobs and only accept the job once you find out the policy number and investigate.  :)

Don't waste your time with an exclusion, you can waste years fighting it only to lose. THey do not have to pay for it no matter how medically necessary it is. The only way I have heard of people winning an exclusion is to catch the insurer in a lie or mistake, then they get it. Consult with Gary on your options, he's the Guru! Anyway, Tricare is easy to get approved, also if your hubby is on disability, get him on medicare (covered) or medicaid (covered). You will have a lot of luck finding private insurance that covers it. If you do, please share it with us!