INSURANCE PROBLEMS

I have 3 friends who have Premera Blue Cross which has an "iron clad" exclusion. Another friend and I went through the appeals process in 2002 with no luck. Several insurance specialists at different surgeon's offices told me that they had never had Premera approve for a surgery. I was lucky, I was able to afford to pay for the surgery myself. My friends are not able to pay and taking out loans is not an option for them. Is there any private secondary insurance they could get to pay for the surgery or any other suggestions?? Any ideas? It is breaking my heart to see them so desperate and not be able to help them. Sharon Reach for the Stars http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=N1017180811&NoStatic=1

Sharon, I am the Program Coordinator for a bariatric practice in Northern Idaho. Our practice has also dealt frequently with Premera. They are nearly impossible to get approvals from. I understand the situation your friends are in, and I empathize. I know there are a few supplemental insurances that provide obesity benefits, however they are rather expensive. Do your friends have another insurance plan offered by their employer? Feel free to conact me directly if you would like more info!

Hi, I sure wish a bunch of us could descend on Premera or the media about Premera, or something. I am afraid to do much about it because my husband works there, and I wouldn't want his job to be in jeopardy. But there we are; the stupid insurance programs have control of us and there really needs to be a way around this! Thanks. Lauren ps:I have Medicare as secondary, but I've heard they don't always bother to get around to paying, so that sounds pretty scary, too.