Question:
My BMI is appr 75, my insurance is Cigna PPO, What do you think my chances are?

About 2 years ago I had been referred to a doctor back in Indianapolis Indiana but my Insurance carrier, at that time ws BCBS, denied it. The doctor wouldn't fight it or anything. I didn't have the finances to fight it or to pay to have the surgery done myself. It really depressed me. Now I have moved and I keep gaining and and finding it difficult to do more things. My new insurance is Cigna PPO. I'm not sure what their policy states about this. My BMI is up to about 75 I'm not sure how much I weigh because I can't find a scale that weighs over 350 I'm just guessing at about 400. But I'm concerned about being let down again. I was depressed for months the last time I was denied. Please advise me anyone?!    — pregnant (posted on February 1, 2000)

February 1, 2000
HI KARLA. HAVE YOU BROWSED THRU THIS WHOLE SITE? I THINK IT WOULD BE TO YOUR BENEFIT TO DO SO. IT IS FULL OF INFORMATION THAT WILL GET YOU STARTED ON YOUR JOURNEY TO WEIGHTLOSS SURGERY. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO LOOK INTO IT, YOU WON'T REGRET IT, I PROMISE. IF I CAN HELP YOU IN ANYWAY, PLEASE DON'T HESISTATE TO EMAIL ME AT [email protected] AND I WILL SEE WHAT I CAN DO FOR YOU.
   — TERRY L.

February 1, 2000
Karla, Go for it girl. I am insured with Cigna PPO and had my surgery in Sept. I have lost 86 pounds. It took about 6 weeks to get approval, just be sure to get pshyc evaluation they want that, but they approved me quickly after they got the evaluation. My out of pocket expenses were about $990. My email address is [email protected] if you would like more info. Good luck. By the way I started my journey at 348 pounds and feel wonderful.
   — Paula P.

February 1, 2000
You should have appealed two years ago when you were denied. You don't need the doctor to get you through the appeals process. I was just recently approved after the first step of appeals process. It was fairly simple, just write a letter to the insurance company asking them to reconsider. Don't be emotional in the letter, be aggressive and don't give up. I wish you the best of luck. Janet pre-op, 2/29/00
   — Janet F.

February 2, 2000
Hello, I have Cigna pos and Iwas approved in 3 days.I went to Bariatric Treatment Center in Columbus, Oh.They took care of the paperwork for the approval.Cigna payed about 45,000 for all fees and I had to pay 175.00 not bad huh? My BMI was 66.I weighed 416 on Aug 3-day of surg. at 6 month check-up I had lost 103# and BMI was 49. Feel free to email me with any questions. [email protected]
   — Sheila S.

June 6, 2000
Karla, I too am just starting out. The first thing is research,research,,,know your facts so you have your ammunition ready..From what I have read about your insurance company,they cover the surgery if "medically necessary. That means "PROOF" from your doctors that you have CO-MORBIDY illnesses or diseases,,ie-sleep apnea,respiratory problems,arthritis,hypertension,diabetes etc, that would decrease or cease if you had this surgery..You have a very good information tool in the computer..Just search for sites related to...obesity,bariatric surgery. These sites will lead you to other sites...PRINT out this info to submit to your company or have your Doctor submit them with his surgery recommendation....If all else fails,,,go to~~ http://www.obesitylaw.com/ GOOD LUCK~~
   — Violet K.