Not counting towards Out of Pocket max?

Does anyone else have insurance where bariatric surgery does not count towards your out of pocket max?  With my Insurance (Principal Life PPO managed care) you have to jump through hoops to get approved and then they only cover 60% and it doesn't go towards out of pocket max.  Just wondering if my insurance is typical or not.  Thanks! Kari

Paul, Thank you so much for the reply!  And you are correct--I found out after posting this today that we are self-insured and Principal just simply manages it all for the company.   What do you think about this statement? "Within two years prior to Gastric Bypass Surgery or Lap-Banding, you must have a documented medical history of failure to sustain weight loss with medically supervised dietary and conservative treatment for at least 12 months." Will they require 12 consecutive months of me going to the doctor monthly (or something similar) do you suppose?  Or would going a couple times during a 12 month period where weight loss is discussed be enough?  I'm just really concerned about getting insurance approval so was wondering if you have seen similar statements. Kari

Paul, Thanks again!  Your email makes me hopeful about getting approval.  I won't have to deal with fills, etc as I plan on getting RNY. I have considered switching to another job to get different insurance but it won't do me much good.  I'm a nurse and work for a hospital corporation who has 3 of the 5 main hospitals in the area...and I would take a huge pay cut going to work for the corporation who owns the other two (or by going to a private clinic).  Right now I'm just hoping for approval and if not I would probably be able to swing the self-pay route. Thanks so much for all your info! Kari