Question:
I have having to choose insurance company, which would be best for lap-band?

I am choosing between insurance companies including Aetna, Cigna and United Health Care, hoping to have the lap-band surgery. Can anyone help me with which is best? Kathy    — kathylynn (posted on April 10, 2007)

April 10, 2007
I can't tell you which one to chose. but i can tell you call each company and see wht their policy is on WLS. It all depends on what plan you buy where you are in the US etc. If you have an insurance agent helping you purchase a policy. Make him/her do some leg work for you. Good Luck
   — michelemcd

April 10, 2007
Hello Kathy, I agree with Michelle. Read the insurance information very carefully and access their websites. The information on the three companies that your company has provided should have what is and is not covered. I have CIGNA and it is covered/ If you live in the State of Maryland -- insurance companies have to cover if company has over 50 employees. Check your state insurance laws on treatments of the morbid obese. I have CIGNA PPO and choose that option because I didn't want to have to deal with a referral everytime I had to visit the surgeon or have a test performed. Since I've had the surgery, when open season comes again I''ll switch to the CIGNA HMO or I might just keep the PPO. In the end what is actually going to be covered has already been determined by your company so you might desire to work with HR to see if this is a procedure that will be covered. Anyway always remember these two words when seeking to have a medical procedure covered "medical necessity." Good luck --keep us informed.
   — the7thdean

April 11, 2007
Kathy, you have some leg work to do. Each company is very different, and even if they cover lap band or wls, some plans offer it and some do not. You need to speak with each representative and ask them what they cover. You also have to find out what their requirements are. Only they can help you with this, don't take anyone's advice here, the work has to be done with them. I would hate to see you pay for insurance that didn't help you in the end. Take care, Patricia P
   — Patricia P

April 11, 2007

   — Kari_K