Question:
How do you know if your company has an exclusion for WLS?

Also, I have Cigna HMO. I was wondering how much people with the same ins. had to pay out of pocket for the surgery.    — Carol E. (posted on November 28, 2001)

November 28, 2001
You should have a company health benefits handbook. Look through it. Mine provides coverage for WLS as long as you are twice the standard weight for your height. Also, look at the top of this page and click on insurers. There you can read of all those who have your same insurance and the experiences they had. Good luck and God bless!
   — Kimberly L.

July 15, 2003
Ijust called the customer service number on the back of my card and asked them.
   — Donna W.

February 20, 2004
Hey Carol my name is Felicia and I am from Florida and I also carry CIGNA HMO insurance. I have had a couple of co-workers of mine who have had this insurance and most of them were like as long as you have letter from your PCP saying that the weight loss surgery is medically necessary and you show proof of 2 supervised diets w/in the last 24 months then they would approve you. But b-cuz this surgery is becoming so well know and so many people are gonna try to have it done then they may start being stricter as far as getting approval that's why I am gonna start getting on the ball as far as getting my surgery done and over with. As far as out of pocket expense is concerned you may run into a lot of surgeons that are charging some kind of support group fee or program fee. Just a gimmick really to earn extra money. Well let me go now I am such a blabbermouth. But I am gonna pray for you, me and everyone else that we all find the road of happiness that we are looking for. GOOD LUCK TO YOU CAROL.....FELICIA
   — Felicia O.

February 20, 2004
I have Cigna HMO of GA and all I had to pay out of pocket was my co-pay for doctor office visits, which at that time was $15 a pop. I didnt have to pay for any pre-op testing, that was fully covered. I did pay for my own psychological eval because I couldnt find a doc that specialized in WLS or eating disorders that insurance would pay for. That cost me $350. So my grand total for my WLS in 2002 was $410. As for company exclusions, just call your HR department and ask. They know what exclusions your company has or at least get an answer for you. Best of luck to you. ~Sidney~ Open RNY 10-23-02 down 130+ and below goal
   — Siddy I.

September 27, 2004
The only out of pocket expense I've had to pay is the doctor visit of $93.00 and then the surgeon fees of $1800.00. Both were reimbursed back after surgery.
   — Angel S.