new - insurance, what d'ya think?

I'm new to this board.  First, let me say that I've been lurking for a week and I appreciate all the good information and support you all provide.  My name's Aaron and I'm 28.  You can check my profile for more info. I was just wondering if anyone had any opinions on whether or not my insurance is likely to pre-approve me.  I've been waiting to hear for about 8 business days so far. Insurance: United Healthcare Desired surgery: RNY Height: 5'11 Weight: 329 BMI: 46.7 I submitted weights for last 5 years.  I believe 3 years were BMI's in 40's and 2 were in mid to upper 30's.  Two years ago I had fatty infiltration of the liverw and went on a supervised diet and took phentermine. I have had high cholesterol. I have a family history of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and high blood pressure. What do you think?  Approve, deny, 6 month diet?

Hello and welcome!! I'm sorry, but I don't know much about UHC, but sometimes online or you can call to see what is covered. Wish you lots of luck, and a fast answer!!! :)  Amanda

Hi Aaron, welcome to the twentys forum its good to have you here. As for your insurance keep in mind that everyones experience is diffrent, but here is mine. I also have United Healthcare-mine is for centura health(the company I work for) I got approval the day after my paperwork was submitted. I have been told that United Healthcare is one of the easiest to get approval from. Now that being said, from what I know (and im not an expert) United Healthcare lets the employer choose weather to cover WLS or not, if the employer does not want it covered then it is excluded, and I have heard in this situation it is impossible to get approval. I would check the insurance forum here, and check your individual policy. Also try to get your written policy. Remember to get everyting in writing, and to and keep track of all names and dates when talking with anyone. Good Luck!

I have UHC...as long as you are considered to have a comorbidity then the sub 40 years of bmi will be no problem. They took about 13 days to approve me. I called every day to check the status, on the 12th day the lady asked me if I wanted her to change the status to "expedited status" of course I agreed and the next day I was approved, you should be hearing any day now.

UHC is generally pretty good and well-liked by most offices as being a good payer...all this as long as you meet the requirements and don't have a written exclusion (like I had on one of my UHC policies).      

Thanks to everyone for the replies.  I just got off the phone and I was approved by insurance - what timing?!.  Now I have to pass the psych evaluation and if that happens I'll meet with the surgeon. 

YAY! I got here kind of late, but congrats on being approved..

AWESOME!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations that is so great!