HELP! A little complicated insurance problem

Hi everyone, I need help.  I just started working for a new company and I enrolled with UHC in their HDHP plan.  My coverage won't start until March 1st.  I know they cover VGS and bariatric surgery.  However I am concerned with me not being enrolled until now they will deny me.  I had UHC under my husband's employer last year and it was the Choice Plus Plan and I was told that they would not cover any obesity proceedures surgerical or not, this was after my PCP referral, seminar, and diet plan.  Long story short my husband was laid off and I became employed.  Has anyone filed to have WLS done so early in changing plans?   Is there anything I can do to fastfoward the process befor March 1st gets here.  I have been on the waiting bench for about 8 months now and if there is anything that I can do or shouldn't do to speed up my process, I would LOVE to know.
Tora 

Congratulations on the new job!

First, since this is a work plan, usally there is NO pre-existing condition clause. Which means, once your policy goes into effect (and provided WLS is NOT excluded) you can start the process (or continue in your case). On March 1st, call UHC and asked to speak with the Baratric Resource Service. The department specializes in WLS and what is needed to get approved so you will know what you still need as far as pre-op testing.  They will provide you with MUCH better information that you will recieve through regular customer service.

Second, most UHC plans only allow surgery at a Center of Excellence. So make sure your surgeon and hospital are on their approved list. If they aren't on the list, look into some that are so that your approval process goes through quicker.

Third, pull out a copy of your policy. Since this is a HDHP, make sure you know what your deductible is as you will have a portion to pay before the insurance kicks in (hopefully your company provides some asistance with this through a HSA). Also, make sure there is no max that they will pay for WLS. (it is best to be prepared before surgery)

As for "fast-forwarding" the process, the only things I can think of would be to schedule your appointment with your surgeon for as close to that date (after Mar 1)  as possible.  And make sure you are up to date on your annual pap and mammograms (if your not, scheduled these now for right AFTER Mar 1st so they will count toward your deductible)

Good luck!

 

Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!  Dr. Scott and the Center for Bariatrics are a Center of Excellence.  I just got off the phone with the nurse, and she told me that I needed to get my CPAK.  I think that's what it's called  .  I found out last year after a sleep study that I have sleep apnea.  However, I did not get fitted for the mask because it terrified me   . Now I find out that my surgeon won't perform unless I have used this machine or mask thing.  She said it is because during anesthesia, not using it could cause a problem.  So now I am waiting on Respiratory Consultants to call me and let me know if I have to redo the process or if they can just fit me.  I am hoping they can just fit me and it won't be expensive(remember this was the insurance my husband had before he was laid off).  I will go ahead a schedule my pap and I don't think I can get a mammogram, I am 29 ( I don't know), is it required, if so I'll schedule it too.