Should I switch to Kaiser for WLS????

I live in Tulare CA and have Blue Cross HMO (California Care) and was referred to Fresno Surgery Center. At the WLS seminar, I was told Blue Cross patients have a six month wait for surgeon consult, and that's before seeking approval from the insurer. The problem is that there are so many people requesting the surgery and limited OR time at the hospital is booked for six months. They are talking about using St. Agnes but the hospital is in negotiations with Blue Cross (at the time of the seminar). Well, November is open enrollment for my insurance. I am considering a switch to Kaiser HMO and want to know if it's worth it. It would require me to move closer to Fresno (a twenty mile move, which I don't mind) because of Kaiser's service area and Kaiser is going to save me $884 a year in premiums, and more in copays, etc. I just don't want to be told that I have to start the process over if I do switch. It took me two months to get into the seminar and six months for the consult. That is set for about March of 2003. I'd appreciate responses from anyone that has dealt with either Blue Cross or Kaiser or anyone in the Central Valley that has any advice. Thanks.

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