Cigna requirements changed

I read somewhere today that if an insurance company changes the requirements for a procedure and doesn't give notice to the participants (us, basically) that the change can't go into effect until the next plan year. Anyone know how accurate this is?

I had heard the same thing, but the way I saw it - is that your plan runs from year to year and it does not seem fair for them to "change the rules" in the middle of the year. I hope someone can confirm this too - it sure would make me feel a little more confident as I have just started this journey.

what exactly are the changes?

Well I received a notice from my Dr when they added all the dieting stuff, but I have been told by a law office that they can NOT change/modify the rules until the start of the next year. Like when your insurance renews through the company, they can add and modify it THEN... and a warning, I have heard rumors that Cigna will flat out deny ALL requests (no matter HOW bad the co morbids, etc. on this surgery come Jan 1, 2004 when they can change the rules... ) I wish us all luck on our journey ~Judith

*insert various foul language here* You know, I've paid into this plan for seven years. I've spent entire days on the phone with Cigna trying to figure out why they'd deny me for various things such as bronchitis, and all this is before I sent in a request for WLS. These people have always been a nightmare to work with, and they just get worse and worse as time goes on. They're gonna approve me come hell or high water. Either with the old requirements or the current ones. *inserts more foul language and grumbling here* April