Question:
I won't have Cigna PPO till Jan. I plan on asking for surgery then. My BMI is 44

I have GERD, asthma, & Depression. I have all my medical records showing where my BMI has been at least 35 w/comorbs for at least 5 years. My PCP will write a referrel. What are my chances? I am dyin' over here, the waiting is killin' me. PLEASE HELP!!! thanks:)    — blank first name B. (posted on December 15, 2002)

December 15, 2002
have you looked up the Cigna posts for those with the same insurance in your state. Look under insurers and then click on your state and then look for similar insurees. That is what I used to gauge my chances with my insurance.
   — susanje

December 15, 2002
Is there a clause in your insurance for a pre existing condition? Have you been insured right up to the time you have new insurance?? If you have not had a lapse in health insurance, it should not be considered a pre-existing condition. I had Cigna PPO and after they received the paperwork, I was approved in less than a day. I am a Bariatric Coordinator, and Cigna PPO is one of the easier insuranced to deal with. Best of luck to you!!!!!
   — j P.

December 15, 2002
Actually, if you have been covered by ANY other health insurance plan within 60 days of being covered under Cigna, they cannot use any pre-existing conditions clauses to deny you coverage. However, if it has been more than 60 days since you were covered, they can. That is federal law. I don't know if that law says anything about how long they can make you wait if you are subject to any pre-existing conditions clauses.
   — garw

December 15, 2002
You are right Gar it is 60 days, and if there has been a lapse it can be anywhere from 365 days to over 500 days, it depends on how the policy is written, it is mind boggling at times!!!!!!!!! Happy Holidays
   — j P.

December 16, 2002
I have cigna PPO and was approved in a week with no cormibds and a BMI of 43. Let me know if you need any other info. Wes
   — wesley B.

December 17, 2002
Most insurance policies have a 6 month pre-existing conditions clause if you don't change within that 90 day window. Anything longer than that and I would be talking with the insurance commissioner in my state.
   — zoedogcbr

December 18, 2002
I have Cigna PPO and my bmi was right at 40 with the high blood pressure and diabetic history. I was approved in one week. I am now 4 moths post op and 65lbs lighter. 222/167
   — emoragas