Question:
Does anyone have any good experiences with Health Partners with approval??

I have read nothing but negative about trying to get Health Partners to approve WLS. I did read that they just added WLS to their coverage the beginning of this year which is good as they apparently would not even consider it before. I have Health Partners Care through the State of Minnesota and have done all doc told me they require before sending in request for approval (psych eval, dietician, MMPI, blood work, etc.). Waiting for surgeon to get all paperwork and send in request letter to HP. However, I am feeling really discouraged because of the horrible reputation HP has with regards to getting this surgery approved. Does anyone have any more recent GOOD experiences with HP? Has anyone gotten approved by them, and if so...first letter? appeal letter? what were the requirements? I guess I am fearful of getting my hopes crushed and either want to be prepared for a NO or get some encouraging stories. Thanks!!    — Shannon A. (posted on July 13, 2000)

February 13, 2002
Shannon - I work for HealthPartners (and am also considering WLS). It's true that they have approved coverage for WLS as of this year, however, there are some contracts which still exclude this surgery. I have recently heard many stories about how easily WLS has been approved by HealthPartners. You should look online at: www.healthpartners.com and then click on "view your benefits". It asks you to enter your member number, and will then bring up your specific contract. Then click on "view your benefits" and when that page opens, click on the link that says "Our Committments - making coverage easier to understand" on the right hand side. Once there, click on the "all services requiring prior approval" on the left. Then you can look through the alphabetical list of procedures and conditions. I believe you can just click on the "w" for "weight loss surgery". That will spell out EXACTLY how you go about qualifying for this procedure. Don't give up - I'm sure you will get approval.
   — [Anonymous]