Insurance question about the sleeve

Hi all,
Was wondering if anyone has been told insurance won't cover the sleeve because it's not NIH approved? I have United Health Care and they are telling me that they won't approve it for that reason. I have Celiac and can only do the restriction surgeries, not malabsorbtion surgeries. Not sure about the band at this point. Just was hoping to find some feedback as to what others have experienced.

Thanks bunches!!!

I am not an expert on anything how ever since you have cilliac and it is the only procedure that you can have you may be able to around the NIH thing and if you can prove it medically necessary that may help. 

THanks, I think that's what my surgeon is thinking too. THey approved the band, but I would rather have the sleeve!

I, too, had UHC and after a lot of heck from them, they approved my VSG. I had to prove it was medically necessary for me to have the VSG. Good luck to you

I have UHC and have asked my employer to either offer wls or to lift the exclusion on treatment for obesity.  I can prove the medical necessity and my state has a law on the books that says group health insurance that is issued, written or delivered and if the NIH criteria are met then group health insurance must cover the wls.