Question:
Can I get some help with my insurance?

I have United Healthcare, I had noticed on the message boards that there were people from obesityhelp.com who offered to help if we were having problems. I can't find the info now. But I need help. I have been waiting for 2 months now to get a pre-determination, it seems the people helping my dr submit sent it as a claim instead of predetermination and it is in a loop. Twice now they said they are resubmitting with an urgent and it should take 14 days..nothing happens. A friend here submitted hers on the 7th of Jan, received approval yesterday. I was first told mine was submitted in November but actually mine went in Dec 6 and still no answer, everytime I call I get no response,they can't find anything. I am so very frustrated and have been in tears several times. My secondary insurance approved about 3 weeks ago. Now my primary yesterday said a new 14 days. I really need someone who can advocate for me. Thanks    — giffordcl (posted on January 22, 2003)

January 22, 2003
Cindy- Don't give up. I use to bill insurance claims and would often have to do follow-up to get paid. My suggestion is to call and demand to speak to a supervisor with the insurance and insist they review it right then and there. Don't let some customer service rep put you off with "14 days" BS! Get supervisor and if the supervisor can't help you then ask who his/her supervisor. Even if you have to talk to the CEO. Don't take no for an answer. They can do it. They figure the longer they put you off the more interest the money makes in the bank for them. We pay for our insurance and they work for us. Go get 'em Tiger !
   — Debra L.

January 23, 2003
My suggestion would be to contact United @ the Care24 # on the back of your card. Speak to a nurse case manager and explain the situation and see if you can get a fax number directly to him/her. Call your primary and have their office fax everything over instead of risking it going thru United's mail center again. Check with the case manager within 24 hours to see if they have received it and they should be able to get you approved pretty quick. Part of the problem with United is that you may be talking to a representative in say Illinois, but maybe the authorization needs to come from Salt Lake City for your particular group. Don't give up and if you have to, call both places everyday unitl you get an answer - remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease... Good luck and keep us posted on your status.
   — Cheryl H.

January 23, 2003
Thank you so much for your answers and help. I will do as you requested. I'll let you know.
   — giffordcl