That is probably the case...Thanks!  I'm already going through the process of getting it done in Mexico. lots of great reviews of the doctors there, the facility is state of the art---hopefully will get it done by end of July. This was my plan all along if Ins refused to cover it....Thanks for the response!

Cigna does cover WLS but perhaps your policy does not.  WLS is an additional rider on your policy, it is very expensive.  Most employers do not wish to pay for it.  They can't just cover one person, it's all or none.  Without that rider you won't have WLS benefits.  Most do not.  :o(

So Cigna does offer WLS benefits, your employer apparently opted not to purchase the rider.

You can deduct medical expenses (even mileage to and from doctor & hospital) in the amount over 7.5% of your adjusted gross income...but this is an item in your ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS---if you do not itemize (meaning you use the standard federal deduction) then the amount is moot.  go to the IRS website, print out a schedule A---this is where you would itemize your expenses (it's really NOT rocket science) fill in as much of the line items as possible (property taxes, mortgage interest, etc, etc...) if the end amount is bigger than your Standard Deduction...then you use that---this will only reduce your taxable income---meaninbg the amount of your income that taxes are calculated on.  So the bigger the deductions  the less you pay in taxes.  Also remember that medical expenses also include insurance premiums, contact lenses/glasses, dental expenses, any medical equipment or appliances (braces, crutches, etc) that you pay out of pocket for, co-pays...the IRS website www.irs.gov has a search box just look up deductible "medical expenses" there's a wealth of info there.

Hope this was clear as mud!  Sandra

How did you get CIGNA to even review your paperwork? I finished all the "steps' to a tee...and when the hospital submitted the paperwork, they denied th case saying CIGNA doesn't cover WLS??  That the person the Hosp initially spoke to and said they did was wrong---so after more than $500 in tests and fees and co-pays...I'm nowhere near getting this done...I almost cried...Just curious I suppose.

Self pay in Mexico is cheaper than going through your insurance.  :(  However, IF you do your research it is very safe.  But as i told you in the revision forum, different states vary in laws of how they can code.  Some can do a revision and the ins only pays for the band removal and some states are not permitted to change coding.  Sounds like your state is one that is unable to change coding.