Question:
Anyone approved by United Healthcare Options PPO w/ 39 bmi and few co-morbid?

I am 100+ lbs overweight and the surgeon will write the letter for approval. I am concerned that since I don't have HBP, Sleep apnea, or diabetes I won't get approved. I do have osteoarthritis in my back and severe back pain, GERD, narcolepsy, high cholesterol - has anyone had any luck getting approved by united healthcare options ppo? How long did it take? and any other information you could give me would be great!    — laura J. (posted on April 1, 2003)

April 1, 2003
It depends on the plan, all UHC plans are not alike. I have UHC-POS in Arizona and my insurance is through my employer. I obtained a copy of my insurance certificate and read it thoroughly so I knew exactly what was and was not covered. Yes, the reading can document can put you to sleep, but it is well worth it in the end. My plan did not have any "medical necessity" wording in it, just required that you be clinically "morbidly obese" with a BMI of 35 or greater. Even though UHC lost my paperwork twice, once they DID hold onto it, I was approved in about a week. I have no serious co-morbids, just high cholesterol and GERD but have a serious family history of heart disease, diabetes, etc. I hope this helps!
   — Kimberly P.

April 2, 2003
I am trying to get approved right now with UHC PPO. I have a BMI of 39 and I am 105 lbs over weight. I called today and they said I should be getting an answer soon. Beside MO I have Ashtma & a herniated disc in my back. No major co-morbs. I have heard that UHC PPO is one the easiest to get approved with. I hope so for both of us. I will let you know when I get approved. Good luck.
   — Tabitha M.