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Atl_Gadget_Grrl but u
can call me Charlotte
on 8/24/13 1:03 am

VSG on 06/12/13

Topic: RE: Tips for newbies who are worried about qualifying for insurance (xpost)

I think that would be accurate, yes, since you had to log in. It sounds similar to mine, which had the BMI of 40, 5 years documentation by a physician, AND over 21. Check whether yours is AND or OR for the 5 years history. You don't happen to have your insurance provided through ING, do you? You are only the second person I have met with those requirements.

Laurie

Sleeved 6/12/13 - 100 pounds lost to get to goal!

Maxine1234
on 8/22/13 8:17 am

Topic: Obesity Coverage link

http://www.obesitycoverage.com/insurance-and-costs/am-i-covered/check-my-insurance/item/kaiser-permanente-weight-loss-surgery-criteria

MelanieT3
on 8/22/13 6:21 am - Pendleton, OR

Topic: RE: Healthcare reform and bariatric surgery

Mz. Scarlett.... I agree with almost everything you said, except for the fact the part about the insurance having nothing to do with weight loss surgery being a written exclusion but rather an employer issue. I have been battling with my insurance for EIGHT YEARS NOW!! My employer is onboard and has done EVERYTHING possible to try to have coverage for WLS included in our policy. In battling this, we have been told our insurance company does indeed have a package for bariatric surgery/treatment that is available at an extra cost. However, it is available only to employers with 50+ employees. There is nothing in place for those small employers, like single physician offices, etc. We have tried every route possible to try to get this over-turned with no luck. If you have information that would help me force this insurance company to provide the same options at a cost for us, I would definitely love to hear from you. With that being said....I too am hoping and praying for the single-payer program in Oregon!

KristenRB82
on 8/22/13 5:54 am

Topic: RE: Tips for newbies who are worried about qualifying for insurance (xpost)

Thanks so much for sharing this!!!

Sometimes i think the whole insurance aspect is the hardest part when starting on a WLS journey.

Well I called my Human Resources, they gave me a website that I have to log onto with my social and whatnot. Under that I can see all the specifics that my company has issued through UHC. All it says under Obseity Surgery is that you must have a BMI over 40 OR have five years of documented weight being obese and be 21 years of age.

So that should be the final on that, right?

And since it says either or then I should be approved. And it also never states anywhere that I must complete a six month weight loss trial.

KristenRB82
on 8/22/13 2:34 am

KristenRB82 has deleted this message.

LumpySpacePrincess
on 8/21/13 1:54 pm - New Milford, NJ

Topic: Buying insurance just for surgery?

I'm buying an individual plan just for a few months to cover the surgery. Has anyone else done this? A little nervous about it, since I don't want to throw thousands of dollars away if I won't get approved, though I've heard that its easier to get approved on individual (non-group) plans since you're paying more.

Just nervous about the whole thing. Getting so big that moving around and taking care of myself is difficult, which it shouldn't be at only 33 years old. :(

mskami77
on 8/20/13 8:32 pm - AK

Topic: RE: Aetna ughhhhh HELP!!!

I have the same issue as you. Did you find out what the 3 month criteria requires? I have pcp, psych, dietitian, surgeon and weekly support groups.

Laccygurl
on 8/20/13 4:08 am - Paso Robles, CA

Topic: RE: Medi-Cal in CA?

It did for me. Talk to your reg doc. That is what I did. Took 4 months, from when I first was refurd to surgury. Im now 3 months out and doing great. Starting weight was 352, tw is 260..

Laurie

Member Services
on 8/19/13 6:36 am - Irvine, CA

Topic: Do you know.......

Do you know......our founder, Eric Klein, created ObesityHelp back in 1998 and we've been the source of information, support and education for bariatrics since that time.

Do you know.....that ObesityHelp organized and hosted the first ever National Conference for pre-ops, post-ops, and individuals considering weight loss surgery?

Please join us as we celebrate our history with the OH community of 65 events in 26 states since 2004, and our 2013 Event on October 4-5, 2013 in Anaheim, California!!