Question:
Does anyone have Cigna HMO and got approved with BMI 35 -39?

I hoping to have surgery by year end, my pre op visit with the surgeon has been set for September 30, what an ordeal! I've been going through this process since April.... Anyways, my BMI is a 37, but I have degenerative arthritis of weight baring joints and lower spine disease (I was hit by a drunk 2 years ago when I was only 22)...I'm just sio very worried that cigna will deny my request because I dont have a BMI of 40 + ....anyone, in the same situation or was, but got approved and has had surgery???    — Karen W. (posted on August 28, 2002)

August 28, 2002
I thought I had a lower BMI also, however I was wrong on my height. I always "thought" I was 5'9". However, I recently measured myself and am only 5'7". The 2 inches shorter gave me a higher BMI. I was in an auto accident also and have lower back problems. Good Luck!
   — Ravin B.

August 29, 2002
Hi Karen.... I too have Cigna HMO...and I was prepared for a long ordeal to gain approval for surgery. Although my BMI is 44, I also have degenerative arthritis in left knee. But I also have high blood pressure & diabeters. Even though I have more medical problems than you seem to have....I had my Cigna approval in only 3 days.!! I was totally surprised. I really don't think that Cigna is as "hard-nosed" as some of the other insurance providers. My surgeon determined that I was a good candidate for the Lap procedure. But, Cigna did not cover the hospital in my city that did the Lap. The gal that handles all insurance matters in my surgeons office told me, that Cigna just never grants a waiver for a hospital that is out of network. But I was determined to try anyway. For the next 2 weeks I faxed 4 letters to Cigna asking for a waiver.....within 10 days they approved. So don't give up hope.....above all be "persistent".......Good Luck.
   — Deb R.