PS Insurance! Please help!!

I’m 16 months out and just visited the PS for the initial evaluation.  Here’s my insurance dilemma.  Any feedback about these companies or your experiences are welcome.

 

I currently have BCBS through Empire Blue Cross, but I’m leaving my job and the benefits end 4/30.  Instead of cobra, I plan to go on my husband’s insurance, Aetna HMO.  I am starting a new job which will offer insurance after 90 days, so that’s August. 

 

According to what I see here, and the PS office, can take 60 days to approval.  I didn’t want to cobra BCBS because of the money, but my history with them has been that they approve and I just don’t know enough about Aetna and the new job is just too far away to know anything (I start next week so don’t know about insurance yet).

 

Help!! What should I do?? I know they are not all the same and PS says there has been dramatic cut back and only about 25% is approved now and I can’t afford to do it on my own. All feedback is welcome.

Thanks for your help.

Carol

Go for approval ASAP and definitely cobra the BC/BS. It'll help. Aetna may also kick in if you get approved by BC/BS, but it's much harder through an HMO.

Hi, I saw your post on PS and I am also interested in PS and have BC/BS.  I didn't see where they covered it, do you have any information? Thanks,

i called the number on the back of my card and they said something about medical necessity and precertification and starting the process. No one promised anything and the whole thing is about your company's contract.  Don't know, just finding out.

Be careful when switching insurances, We were going to switch and were told that because of my WLS no one else would touch me for at least 5yrs. I was disheartened to say the least. I know Cobra can be expensive but it is worth it. I know several that had to fight with Atnea, but we are in Michigan so I can say it will be the same for you. Maybe you should call Atnea, before you, do anything and make sure they will take you. Good luck to you.

Carol I am of no  help with BC/BS nor Aetna as I have Tricare Prime which is Humana & BC (military retired) which is an HMO and I was fully covered all but a tiny co pay each surgery. I wanted to ask her who you saw in DE, my sister is in Pa and is seeing Danyo next week, she is not a WLS patient just wants a reduction/lift and tummy tuck. I was wondering of he is who you saw and if you did if you liked him?

I have Empire and they paid for the panniculectomy.  I would stick with them.  It didn't take very long for them to approve it either.  Only a week or two.  I did also write a letter of how the excess skin was negatively affecting my life.  I'm not sure it helped but it sure couldn't hurt.  My opinion is that if they can see you as a living breathing person who has feelings and emotional needs, they approve things faster and easier.  Find out who your case manager is and be sure to have all the pre-approval stuff send directly to them.   Good luck!