Question:
HELP!!! Need employer approval first...not going to happen

Just found out that I have to have my employer's approval and then Cigna will approve. This is not going to happen as this company is known for not caring about employees. Please tell me exactly what I need to do. I know I am sending them a letter from me, list of health problems, list of family health history, list of absences from work for sickness, medical records, and hopefully a letter from my D.O.N. at work. Will this be all I need? Please help. Cigna said if my employer says pay for it they have to. My company is based all over the U.S. so I'm just a little number to them.    — angela D. (posted on June 19, 2002)

June 19, 2002
Make sure you deal with your Human Resource director on a personal basis if possible. The human sympathy factor is a great asset. Sell yourself and your need for this surgery. Use all the data you can muster. If there is no specific exclusion in your personal handbook, there should be no reason they would not approve you. Stick to your guns!
   — Angela B.

June 19, 2002
HEY! I HAVE CIGNA. I THOUGHT THEY WERE TOTALLY USELESS UNTIL THEY APPROVED ME IN TWO DAYS. I DIDN'T HAVE TO GET APPROVAL FROM MY HUSBAND'S EMPLOYER OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. TRY AND TALK DIRECTLY TO THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF HANDLING THE INSURANCE. DON'T LET THEM PASS YOU AROUND! THREATEN, THREATEN, THREATEN!!!!!! I DID! I AGREE THAT YOU HAVE TO SELL YOURSELF(IT'S SAD BUT TRUE). IF SOMEONE DOESN'T GIVE YOU THE ANSWER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THEN MAKE THEM FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL! PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF!!! DON'T GIVE IN AND DON'T GIVE UP! BE STRONG BECAUSE THIS SURGERY MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE!!!! GOOD LUCK AND LET US KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!!!
   — nikki R.

June 19, 2002
OMG! I have never heard of such a thing! Why would you need approval from your employer?? That's like saying that your employer has your life in their hands. I would think of contacting an attorney about that one. Just when I thought I had heard it all.....
   — karmiausnic

June 22, 2002
There is an easy explanation, some hmos have what is called employee funded programs where all cigna does is manage the account.Call the Lindstroms in California, your employer denying you is A "Bad faith Tort" and you could sue there pants off!!!Call the Lindstroms...
   — Greg S.