Question:
I am 19 with a BMI of 47 no comorbities would I qualify with Aetna?

   — marissav19 (posted on April 27, 2006)

April 27, 2006
Hi Marissa! It really depends on your policy and if you meet all their requirements. Have you been tested for comorbidities? I thought i didnt have any at all but after some blood work i found that i have high cholesteral. If you havent been tested i would make an appt with ur PCP. Good Luck!
   — phranny19

April 27, 2006
Hello Marissa! I started my process in Feb with my first call for an appt at the WLC. I have stayed right on top of things. Sometimes you have to walk step by step and make sure people don't lose things or forget about things. I know that DR offices are busy places and there is alot of paper work that comes through their office. BUT you also don't want to be one of those files that is misplaced in the never ending pile. The other week I went for my EKG, x-ray, blood work and my gall bladder ultra sound. They sent everything, BUT the EKG. Also they sent the test to the WLC but didn't send it to my PCP and she wouldn't sign that I was good to go for surgery until she got it. So on Good Friday I was driving 500 miles and trying to get all the paper work sent to the PCP and find my EKG test. My advice is just stay on top of things. Just to make sure you aren't lost in the shuffle. Good luck with everything.
   — Sheila_E

April 27, 2006
the best thing you can do is call Aetna customer service and ask them what the requirements under the plan are, I have Aetna and I am 2 weeks post op and they covered the procedure in full. You do have to go to your Dr. first and get a physical and you must follow a six month diet, Aetna requires that you do follow a six month diet that is given to you by your pcp. And you have to go to your pcp everymonth to get weighed and you doctor must document your weight every month for the six months. The good thing is that there are other requirements(other test that you have to do) that you can do while you are doing the diet. Just by the BMI you qualify so call Aetna and go to your pcp get a physical and tell your Dr. that you are thinking of having this surgery. Good Luck.
   — Ulises Robles

April 28, 2006
hey... i'm 19 and had the surgery october 2005 (right after i turned 19) i HAD aetna but they were EXTREMELY difficult.... i was 18 bmi 53 and no comorbities. Honestly i was healthier then al my doctors according to them. However, during my senior year, during lacrosse season, a girl took me out and i tore my mcl and miniscus, and we "blamed" it on me being overweight. but even then aetna was no help, so my father switched his plan to Horizon and i was approved within days and scheduled for surgery a month later. and now i'm down 122lbs.
   — ClaireMarie