Question:
I need help choosing between Kaiser or Pacificare?

okay... need all of your input I am trying to decide between Kaiser and Pacificare...both are very similar but Kaiser has a definate waiting period of at least a year for even being considered for the WLS. Please let me know which one you would choose... I want this done as soon as possible... thanx so much for your input    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 10, 2001)

July 10, 2001
I can only speak for Pacificare. I had my first consult approval within a week.And from what I am hearing, even from my surgeon, Pacificare is pretty easy to approve the surgery. I have a high BMI so that may play into it to. But I have also talked to Pacificare directly and have been pleased with there responses to my questions. I started the process in Feb. Due to the surgeons being so busy I probably won't have surgery until Oct., but that has nothing to do with the inusrance it is just because so many are now going in for this surgery. Good Luck and Take Care,
   — toni D.

July 10, 2001
I was approved quickly by Pacificare. I did send a two page detailed letter with my diet history (age, weight, diet plans) and had a supportive letter from my pcp. Good luck on whomever you choose.
   — connie m

July 10, 2001
I'm not sure about Pacificare, but I have Kaiser and the only good thing about them is that they pay 100%. From start to finish with Kaiser it took 10 months. Read my profile for the horrors I had to go through with Kaiser. And you're right, you DO need to be a Kaiser member for one year before you can even apply for WLS.
   — blank first name B.

July 10, 2001
I'm not sure about Pacificare, but I have Kaiser and the only good thing about them is that they pay 100%. From start to finish with Kaiser it took 10 months. Read my profile for the horrors I had to go through with Kaiser. And you're right, you DO need to be a Kaiser member for one year before you can even apply for WLS.
   — careywatkins

July 10, 2001
I have pacificare and have fought them for 10 months now and they are still denying me. The Medical director dose not believe in wls. and he wrote me a letter putting it down. If you do chose them goodluck!
   — Angie H.

July 10, 2001
Hi! I have Pacific Care HMO and fought with my GROUP not with Pacific Care. My medical group had to approve the surgery 1st and after 2 denials and working on my 3d denial, I turned to Pacific Care to intervene and they did. I had to threaten my medical group with taking my story to the media when less than 2 hours later I got a call from my surgeon AND Pacific Care that I was approved. I think that Paific Care actually came to my rescue or maybe it was my SCREAMING & requesting copies of all of my medical records, and the threats to call news stations and my congressman that did the trick, but I would like to give Pacific Care at least part of the credit....They did GOOD for me..
   — Joi G.

July 10, 2001
I have pacificare hmo. My medical group had to approve it before I got an appointment for the surgeon. Then they had to approve the surgery. After the medical group approved it, the insurance approved it in 3 days.
   — pokergirl59

July 10, 2001
Hi, I have PacifiCare, in Colorado. I can only speak for myself, but they approved me in 1 week. I have no major comorbs, and I've never been on a supervised diet. But I have heard that they deny frequently too. What makes these insurance companies say yes or no is a mystery. I have a friend that has Kaiser, and it has taken her 10 months of going through a "step program" to get the surgery. In general I have had no problems with PacifiCare, but my mother has Kaiser and always has problems. But like I said, I'm just talking for me.
   — Carey N.