Question:
Has anyone been approved late 2000 or early 2001 with Aetna HMO in Southern CA?

I am just beginning the process. I tried this about 2 years ago and was declined (with another insurer). I was just wondering if they caught on and have changed the policy to make it harder. Please give me some hope!!!    — Natalie G. (posted on January 20, 2001)

January 20, 2001
Hi Natalie ! I am currently awaiting my new approval from my NEW insurance co, Pacific Care....BUT....I had Aetna HMo and got an approval after being turned down the first time submitted. Unfortunately my husbands employer changed insurance carriers 3 days after my approval and I am now going through the process with Pacific Care. But with Aetna, you should be fine. Your BMI is way over what they require. i was borderline (41.3BMI) but with a 32 page list of all of the co morbidities that I was experiencing, Aetna approved me without a fight. The only thing that they wanted me to do was to go back to my surgeons office to confirm my weight. BUT>>>>>>go through the referral process from your pcp. It will only cost you a little bit of money instead of 2-$3,000. E mail me if you have any questioins. I feel like i began to know the Aetna guidelines better than Aetna knows them. My e mail address is [email protected] if you have any questions.
   — Joi G.

January 20, 2001
Hi Natalie, I live in Texas, but I have Aetna HMO. I was approved within 2 weeks of the first letter. That was in mid December of 2000, and I am now 8 days post-op. Good Luck!
   — Janet H.