Question:
Has anyone been approved for a tummy tuck with Cigna HealthCare?

I have a hernia that needs repair. How difficult is it to get a tummy tuck covered by insurance (Cigna HealthCare-PPO)? I know they will pay for the hernia-at least I think they will. I am curious about the TT because otherwise I will have to pay out of pocket.    — Cinna G. (posted on March 29, 2002)

March 29, 2002
Cinda - I had Cigna HMO. They originally approved my hernia repair, and denied my abdominoplasty. I appealed, and lost. I appealed a second time, and lost. At the end of that appeal, they decided they were NOT going to cover the hernia, because they believed we were making it up to try and get the abdominoplasty covered! They refused approval under *after* the surgery when they could review the surgical notes. During my final appeal (which was actually after the surgery) I appeared via telephone to plead my case, and the hernia and abdominoplasty were approved. -Kate-
   — kateseidel

March 29, 2002
I had CIGNA PPO as my secondary insurance provider, and they approved my panniculectomy and armlift surgery immediately after receiving the letter of medical necessity and photographs from my plastic surgeon. I was surprised at such an immediate and positive response, but maybe "a picture says a thousand words" :-) Good luck!
   — Diana T.