Plan wouldn't allow attorney at appeal

I had my appeal meeting scheduled last week. My insurance is a self funded plan, so the people at the meeting were employed by my company, including a VP for human resources. They insisted I was not allowed to have my attorney present information for me at the appeal. They said my attorney could be there but not speak. Has anyone else encountered this? We decided not to proceed with the meeting and to make a complaint to the Board of Labor. Caryl

Caryl, Wow!!!! I am hoping that this will rule in your favor. I am so tired of having to run around to fight so hard for this surgery. Beth M

Well, the insurance people had their meeting without me and denied my claim again. This employer is so hypocritical. When you're at work, it's all about how much Seton cares about employees. I am working on getting a job at another hospital that covers the surgery. I'll be sorry to leave my unit, but I have to take care of myself. It's frustrating being treated as though my request for treatment of morbid obesity is frivolous. I hope your fight goes better, Beth. Caryl