Freaking about Aetna

I have Aetna Open Choice POS. I have already had my surgical consult, my psych eval, a sleep study and found out that I have sleep apnea, I also have been to nutritionist, and am following with my PCP for my six month diet. I called Aetna in beginning of December when the surgeons office told me of the January 1 thing about not covering WLS. I told them that I had already invested so much money and time, and the lady assured me that if the process was begun before January 1. that it would be covered. Also, what about this rider? I don't know if we have the rider, and how would we know that we would have to purchase an additional rider after the first of the year, unless we were told my Aetna. I never got any communication from them regarding this, and I would think that that would be an appeal fight right there? Anyone? Freaking out.. Eileen

Talk to your employer's HR department - they will know about the rider and whether or not the company purchased it. If they did, no worries. If not, call Aetna immediately and verify that they will cover surgery if you had begun the surgical process before January 1. You might be better off e-mailing Aetna so you have the response in writing!