Just getting started (and with Cigna, to boot!)

OK gang, I started a new job in Phoenix, AZ recently and in a few weeks will be eligible for helath insurance. I have 3 choices: CIGNA, CIGNA and CIGNA. One is HMO, I think the other two are PPO's. I would appreciate any advice as to which is best to choose for WLS, what documentation I will need to begin with, and the best way to go about lining my ducks up for surgical approval. I have reviewed the notes on CIGNA AZ part of the website. Anybody have anything to add?

Yes Wayne, My first advise would be: Find a new insurance company or a new job. Cigna PPO or HMO are impossible to work with. I have had an HMO for at least 15 years and I am now in the process of suing them to obtain approval for my surgery. I wish I had better news, but sincerely, if you can get another company try, if not PPO, I believe would be better. Good Luck

Hello Wayne, I also have CIGNA(pos plan) personally I would go with a PPO before the HMO plan. First thing you need to do is see your DR get a referral to a surgeon. If you have not been on a supervised diet by your DR or like Jenny Craig, weigh****chers etc.... any type of supervised diet with monthly weigh-in's, start that NOW. CIGNA just started this making this a requirement 2 months ago that you have 6 months of supervised diet with in the past 12 months(what a bunch of BS). Your DR needs to write a letter of medical necessity, like if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, back, knee, or hip pain, heart problems, breathing problams or sleep apnea. Cigna made me have a sleep study done for sleep apnea and a psych evaluation before they will approve me. I have been denied twice already and I'm getting ready to submit for approval #3. I dont have the 6 months of dieting, but I'm going to try and get it waived since that wasnt a requirement when I started this insurance hell with them back in the begining of April. Anyway, I hope I didnt confuse you, if you have any questions or need help I will be happy to do what I can to help line your little duckies up...LOL Something you should know about CIGNA is that they give out as little help and info as possible, and you can call them 10 times with the same question and you'll get 10 different answers. I get more help and info here than I get from CIGNA. you can email me any time [email protected]

Hi Wayne, I have Cigna PPO and it took me 6 weeks and 3 denials to get approved. Speak with the insurance co. directly and stay on top of them. Good luck. Email me with any questions. [email protected] Donna Winters