Got approved w/ Aetna

My Aetna insurance did not exclude weight loss surgery.  It covers medically necessary weight loss surgery and then you have to meet the requirements...as spelled out in their clinical bulletin 0157.  I had heard horror stories about getting approved, but Aetna was wonderful to work with. 

My insurance is through my husband's job, and his company is based in MD. State law in MD says they're not allowed to exclude WLS, so mine did not have an exclusion.

I got approved by Aetna too on Jan. 13th. My Dr.'s office and the program I joined "New Beginnings" took care of all the paper work. It was pretty painless. Now I'm just waiting for the scheduling people from my Dr. office to call and give me a date! I feel tortured. (Yes I'm a bit dramatic PMS)

Kim

Congratulations on getting approved!!  The waiting is the hardest part!!  I got approved on Tuesday and then today the surgeon's office called with my surgery date!    Good luck to you!

Thats great Nan! When is your date is it soon?

Kim

Hi Kim

My date is March 9th !!  I am so excited. 
Did you get your date yet?  

Nan

Hi Nan!!

They finally called today Feb. 25th is the day. I happen to call them yesterday and they were glad I did because they put my file away and forgot about me. I would of been mad but thats the only problem I've had. I feel calm now that I know. I'll probably start freaking out when it gets closer.

Kim

Not yet they were suppose to call by now but they didn't so I just have to deal AARRRGGG. He said it should be a couple of weeks from when they call. As soon as I know I let you know. you are so lucky you know. I just want to rearrange my clients (I'm a hairdresser) and get this party started. 

Kim

Hey Nan! I was reading the forum and seen this and I have Aetna Open access plan. I just started this and I am wanting on the surgeon to call me in for an consultation. Can you help me out with what they are wanting to get approved. I have an BMI of 42.2. And I read that if you have a BMI over 40 that they approve you faster. Can you give me some asvice and what to expect and some guidence on what they want to get approved. Thanks a bunch!

Dawn

Hi Dawn,

I will be glad to help you.  I will PM you!

I started the process on 9/29/08 and did the 3 month multidisciplinary program.  Basically, Aetna has two paths you can follow.  The 6 month or the 3 month.  If you do the 3 month multidisciplinary program, you need to see your PCP, a dietician, exercise specialist and work on behavior modification.  And all of this needs to be documented in your PCP's records.

I'll PM you.

Nan