Question:
Where do you people work to get WLS approved?

Seeking employment in the administrative, customer service, or accounts payable field. PLEASE HELPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!! DESPERATE TO HAVE WLS! Have been denied 3 times already due to exclusions with employers. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!    — Mary S. (posted on October 25, 2003)

October 25, 2003
Check into employment with government agencies. I have heard of a lot of employees and their spouses (including me) that have been covered. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 25, 2003
With the Federal Government, surgery for obesity IS a covered benefit. Good luck!!
   — Sungurl B.

October 25, 2003
Although this is not 100%, working for a larger company definitely helps. They are more likely not to have any exclusions because they have more people paying in.
   — mrsmyranow

October 25, 2003
My suggestion - try to get a job at a hospital! Hospitals seem to cover the WLS because they understand the necessity of it. My husband works at a hospital and it was covered for me! Thank God. On the other hand, I work for a big company 19,000+ employees - and WLS is absolutely excluded! They are self-insured and don't want to spend the money.
   — Susan B.

October 25, 2003
Home Depot approves WLS. Its a good reason to shop there too!
   — bob-haller

October 25, 2003
My husband works for Kinko's Inc. copy stores. They have excellent benefits.
   — SarahC

October 26, 2003
I think you want to go at this from the insurance side, not the employer side. I have private major medical coverage, and when I decided to have the surgery, they approved it in three days. Call your state insurance commissioner (in the government listings of your phone book) to request a list of instate-based major insurers, both HMO and major medical. Then go to the Yellow Pages under 'Insurance' and make a list from there too. Then start calling! Ask what they provide for group coverage (that's when it comes through your employer), and don't forget to ask about pre-existing condition clauses. Then, when you are interviewing for jobs and get to the part where you can ask about benefits, you can ask who the company insurance provider is and then you'll know right away. Good luck!!! WLS is so totally worth it. - Deborah (Open RNY 10/25/03 BC/BS of MN)
   — Deborah M.

October 26, 2003
Although not from Houston, I work for a city agency, and everything is covered, except for the $150.00 co-pay.
   — track

October 26, 2003
Mary, Try BC BS...I am not from Houston, but I work at BC BS Indiana, and they are always looking for Customer Service people..Each BC BS is different, so You would want to check out the Insurance they offer to make sure it is covered. Good Luck Nancy
   — NANCY P.

October 26, 2003
If you work for one of the three big automakers (Ford, GM, Chrysler) it would probably be covered. My husband works for Ford and mine was covered 100%.
   — Kris T.

October 26, 2003
I work for the government and wls is covered if you select the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employees option. I work for the USDA Forest Service section of the government. However, I think all govt. employees can select BCBS Fed. Good Luck!
   — Emily H.

October 26, 2003
I work for US Cellular Cust Service in Marion Iowa and they have excellent insurance. We have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Ill. and I had my Open RNY approved in 10 days. Good Luck! Debby
   — DebbyB

October 26, 2003
I work for the city government. Our vergbiage is somewhat ambiguous so it's pretty easy to slide in. Just have to be pretty graphic with your needs. I'm fortunate because hubby works for same place and it's 100% covered!
   — Frvsnt O.

October 27, 2003
I have my coverage through my husband's employer, Dell. I think there is a Dell location in Texas...
   — Renee B.

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