Question:
What can I do now?

Hi, I am 31 years old, I weigh 309lbs. I am in a lot of pain. Today I got the denial letter from UHC of KY. They said there was an exclusion. I am extremely depressed. I don't know what to do. I don't feel like there is any life left in me to go on. What are my options now? My doctor's office doesn't see a reason to appeal the decision. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks....    — [Anonymous] (posted on September 29, 2000)

September 29, 2000
Self pay may be how you have to go. Do you have equity in your home? Some people borrow from that source. Or, you or a family member who cares could take out a loan. There are a number of self-pay weight loss surgery persons on this site. Perhaps you could go to the Library and search under "self pay." Best wishes
   — Cindy H.

September 29, 2000
Hi...don't quit..I'm fighting and so are a lot of other people....I have 2 ins companies..Mine and my husband's...Both have exclusions...but think how unfair this is...you read these sites and seems like very few of us have to consider "self pay" this irates me enough to fight....I have decided that I will prob not have my surgery until the spring...Although I will have enough money by then(I'm saving like mad) I want to fight and say I did before I just give in...so far I have sent my letters to the ins cos(I got a real good one off the internet and my doctor just signed them)...then I expect I will be appealing, then I expect to ask Mr Linstrom to fight for me....THEN and only Then will I break down and pay for it...Make this surgery that you want so badly a quest and don't give up...look for ways to either get it insured or get the eventual money yourself...We were saving up for furniture for the house and I put my foot down and advised my husband that this money was MINE...be strong we're all fighting this together...Debora
   — Debora H.

September 29, 2000
Hi....I have United health care EPO in Massachesetts and i have an exclusion but it says it wont cover unless diaganosed as Morbidly Obese(I was never so happy to be called that!!!!!) You should check it out and see if thats the case in your policy
   — Lori-ann J.

September 29, 2000
here are my thoughts... 1. Get a new Dr. 2. Call walt @ www.obesitylaw.com 3. write your own appeal 4. have someone write your appeal 5. get new insurance
   — Michael (pokie) F.

September 29, 2000
Don't give up hope. You are important. I think you need to create other options. And to do that, you need help. There are places on this site to go for assistance in fighting insurance companies. Also, if you are not involved in a good bariatric support group, get into one. Other people have struggled with this same issue, and you need their ideas. Don't give up!
   — sharon W.

March 6, 2001
3/6/01 - I would suggest you register a complaint with the Dept of Insurance. It's free, and once yous start legal proceedings, the government steps out. Ask what the clause is. I was told there was a clause, but there is none. EXCEPT they do not pay for "experimental" procedures and UHC FEELS lap Roux-en-Y is experimental. Get more details, and stick to it. Janelle
   — Janelle H.