Question:
I need people who live in Dallas and/or Houston areas to give me....

an idea of employers they work for or know about who have insurance that is good about paying for wls. My prospective surgeon is in Houston, so I would really prefer to go there. I am a graphic designer, but can do just about anything. At this point I just want to find a job where the insurance doesn't put people through the ringer to get approval. Looking in the jobs wanted section isn't a good indication of who has insurance that will pay without hassles.    — Diana M. (posted on September 25, 2001)

September 25, 2001
I found a job for the same reason INSURANCE..I found work at Surpas Resource Corporation in Houston..as an account rep.. which is just a fancy word for bill collector..I was totally inexperienced..They trained me for free..I now have a great job..and AETNA insurance that kicks in on Oct 1..only took 90 days. 1-800-477-5416..its something to think about..
   — [Anonymous]

September 25, 2001
Try the University of Texas (www.utexas.edu) They have jobs all over the state and insurance starts the same day you begin work. I work for U.T. and I have Humana HMO and they approved with no questions asked and it only cost me $10.00 co-pay I had surgery 6/4/01 and am down 79 lbs. Good Luck
   — [Anonymous]

September 25, 2001
Hello Diana, Sorry to hear you are going through so much trouble with your insurance. I have a friend that is seeing Dr Wongsa also, per my referral and she has BCBS of Tennessee...I hope she doesn't go through the same thing as you, as her letter has been sent off and she is waiting to hear the verdict! As for employers in Houston to look out for, my cousin works at Texas Children's Hospital. If hired through them, insurance starts on day one and Aetna is the insurance. I know Aetna is good at approving, as my husband has Aetna and I was approved with a BMI of 40 and all I had to pay was the 15 co-pay to see Dr Wongsa! I am now BMI 23 and weigh 135# and wear a size 5/6, compared to my 18/20 6 months ago. Good luck on finding a job or insurance who will approve you for this surgery. Don't give up! I just wish ALL insurance companies would realise they would be SAVING money in the LOng run if they were to approve the qualified! Best wishes & prayers!
   — Christi G.

September 25, 2001
I work for an accounting firm called KPMG, LLP. I have Aetna insurance and was approved for the surgery. They have offices in Dallas and Houston. Go to their website at www.kpmg.com and there is a list of job openings.
   — blank first name B.

September 26, 2001
All Federal insurance plans must cover this procedure. It is the insurance company's discretion as to what their criteria is for covering it is, but at least you have a chance. I hope that helps.
   — Nurisha L.

September 27, 2001
I did the same thing, change jobs, but I am a teacher in HISD. They always need teachers!! Maybe you could teach art or something just to get the insurance, and in the mean time look for a job you might really want. It is Aetna and they pay for WLS. I will only be paying $250 for the surgery, much better than $ 25,000!!!! You have to work 30 days to get the insurance. Good Luck. I also, have picked Dr. Wongsa for my surgery.
   — Cindee A.