Question:
What happens if your employer changes ins. co. while in pre approval?

I just recently went in for a consultation. 8/28/02 My employer is changing ins. co.(Cigna PPO) the first of the year and I don't know what company yet. What happens if I don't have surgery before the new ins. co. takes over? Will I have to start the process all over again? Will it be considered a pre existing condition? I'm hoping to get approval and surgery done before the end of Dec. but I am cutting it very close. Thank You.    — Marjorie F. (posted on September 4, 2002)

September 4, 2002
I think you are just SOL unless you decide to get COBRA.
   — heathercross

September 4, 2002
Yeah but can I get Cobra if I am still employed and the employers change to a different company?
   — Marjorie F.

September 4, 2002
I had the same situation happen to me. Unfortunately, I had to start the process all over again. Hopefully you'll get to surgery before Dec. 31.
   — Willette L.

September 4, 2002
Marjorie, I would ask your dtr where he is with his calender in scheduling surgeries? If he is already booked through end of year, which I would asume he is, you might want to wait till you have your new insurance. this may help with any complications or follow-ups you need. It maybe easier to have the same ins for both. Maybe someone here that works in benefits will see your post and respond. Good Luck!
   — heathercross

September 4, 2002
No, you wouldn't be able to get COBRA while still employed. If you company changes ins. companies, then they would no longer be a part of the former ins. group. So even if you got layed off from this company, your COBRA would be with the new insurance.
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 4, 2002
I was told it takes around 4 months from consultation to surgery. Which would make it Dec. There is time as long as the insurance approves the first time.
   — Marjorie F.

September 4, 2002
My company changed insurance after I received my approval but I had to wait for surgery date so long that the new insurance company went into effect first. But luckly all I had to do was send all the information I had from old insurance company to the new provider and I was approved with them within one week, so I did not have to change my surgery date. Had ryn on June 7, 2002. As of July 29th, 60# gone. Cathy Stafford
   — Cathy S.