Question:
I was approved but now denied.

I was approved for open gastric bypass surgery. I am less than 2 weeks from my date, July 8th. I have all my pre-op done, work scheduled off, childcare set-up for a week and have all the foods(broth) ready. My insurance just sent a letter stating that this surgery is not covered under my plan. I am emotionally devastated. My surgeons office is behind me 100%. They have called and are fighting with them. They say they will not even pay for my pre-ops. I live in Pa. but my insurance is Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois through Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is in the top of the Fortune 500, they are the #1 company in the world. I just don't understand it. I guess if anyone has anything they can tell me to do, I would appreciate it. My surgeon has not cancelled my date yet. I see him tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who has been writing to me and praying for me with my upcoming date. I am going to fight this but I just want to keep the surgery date that I have. Thanks, Susan    — Susan W. (posted on June 26, 2002)

June 26, 2002
I am so sorry you are going thru this. Get in touch with a lawyer asap...Walter Lindstrom (see library). If you've been open with them about the nature of this surgery, contact your HR dept. and ask what you have to do to fight this exclusion. This really sucks - I bet if Sam Walton's wife/daughter were MO, getting coverage would be no problem! Best of luck, please keep us posted...
   — rebeccamayhew

June 26, 2002
I am sorry to here that....but they should not have the right to approve one surgery and not the other....thats discrimination! I am fighting an exclusion now so good luck to you and contact Wlater Lindstrome! www.Obesitylaw.com My prayers are with you!
   — EvningStar81

June 26, 2002
Do you have your approval letter? Legally, an insurance company should not be allowed to "change their minds," and I believe that would hold up in court if it comes to that.
   — Terissa R.