Question:
Does anyone know about UPMC thru Wal-Mart in Pa.?

This is the scoop. I am currently with BC/BS of Illinois thru Wal-Mart. I live in Western Pa. I have been working on approval for over a year. I just got the final denial from Wal-Mart home office. I have been preparing packages for the Pa. Insurance Commision, State & Local Govt. officials. I also have called a Lawyer. In the mean time, we have a chance to change insurance to UPMC in Oct. They do not list Gastric Bypass on the sheet of exclusions but it states that the list is not a complete list. I called but they will not tell me if it is covered because we do not have their insurance yet. Does anyone have this insurance, and knows if it is covered. thanks, Susan    — Susan W. (posted on July 26, 2002)

July 26, 2002
Sue - this isn't an endorsement, but I have a friend who has UPMC health insurance and she was approved for wls.
   — Margie P.

July 26, 2002
Hi! I have UPMC insurance. I was approved in just under a week! I'm now 4.5 months post-op and doing well.
   — ZaZa F.

July 26, 2002
Unfortunately it is not always the insurance company, but your employer also. I was approved through BC/BS of Illinois because my employer purchased a policy that allowed gastric bypass surgery. Wal-Mart is one of the employers that is notorious for denying employees coverage for WLS. Even if you have an opportunity to switch insurances, Wal-Mart may only offer employees a plan which excludes WLS. I'm surprised that UPMC insurance will not tell you what is covered/excluded if you are considering switching to their insurance. As soon as you get the new enrollment materials, I would call UPMC insurance and specifically ask again about their coverage. Good luck!
   — Maria H.

July 26, 2002
Me and Jen are UPMC. I understand they recently tightened rules for WLS:( Of course coverage depends on what your employeer buys..
   — bob-haller