Question:
I just received my insurance handbook......Oxford Freedom....

I immediatly went to the exclusions page and here is what is says: Weight Reduction or control, unless there is a diagnosis of morbid obesity;special foods, food supplements, liquid diets, or any related products. So does this mean that weighloss surgery is covered? I know of a few people who have had this surgery done on this insurance, however, I just have to re-assure myself (as there are so many different types of coverage within an insuance group.) I think that this sounds good though!! I am so excited!!Please, let me know what you think.    — Dawn H. (posted on April 17, 2001)

April 17, 2001
It states "unless there is a diagnosis made of morbid obesity"...well, if you have that diagnosis (BMI over 40 or over 35 with co-morbidities - then you should be covered. Most insurances have a general exclusion for anything obesity related, and then will go on to state something specific about "morbid obesity", as yours does. Sounds to me like they'll consider it. Good luck to you.
   — T.L. S.

April 17, 2001
HI -- I had a laparoscopic BPD/DS with gallbladder removal on January 25, 2001 and had not problems whatsoever getting approval with Oxford Freedom. If you have a bmi of 40 (mine ws 45) or above OR a bmi of 35 with the presence of two co-morbidities, YOU are considered MORBIDLY OBESE. They will cover the costs! :) This site also lists people's comments by insurance company -- I went there as a pre-op and overwhelmingly people commented that their approvals did not take long at all. My surgeon's office said that Oxford usually takes 24-72 hours to approve. All the best,
   — Teresa N.