Question:
denied 3 yrs ago. Appeal or start over?

I went to the bariatric treatment center 3yrs ago and they told me I was a good candidate. My insurance wouldn't cover it. Now I would like to know if I should start the process over or just appeal that denial? I never appealed the decision and just let it go now I want it more and I am ready to fight just need to know where to begin. I live in wisconsin and work for a county who is self insured. Any help would be welcome. Thanks    — deborah D. (posted on March 25, 2001)

March 25, 2001
My ins. has a time frame for an appeal. If this were me I would have to start over as the appeals date would have long passed. I would check to see if this applies to your ins. However, if you had tests and all they would have to be redone by now since so much time has passed. I would probably start over. Who knows, maybe things have changed enough where you would no longer be denied.
   — Linda M.

March 25, 2001
I was denied by my self insured company 2 years ago, I appealed as far as I could go then I gave up. Just like you I am ready to fight again. They told me to start over. Also to my advantage is that I have more comorbid conditions now than I did when I first appealed - maybe you do too. I think you should start over. Good luck.
   — K T.

March 26, 2001
Even if there is a expiration date on your possibility of appeal, I would start over. The mindset of insurance companies has really changed in just the last couple of years as far as covering this surgery, so my advice is to start fresh. And if you know why they denied you the first time, try to figure out a way around it this time.
   — marlo T.

April 13, 2001
I was denied for surgery 2 years ago and have started over. I hope with more documentation, and more co-morbidities I will get approval this time. If not, I will hire Walter Lindstom(obesity lawyer).I think I have a good chance this time around. Good luck to everyone else pursuing surgery again!
   — Elaine R.