Should I pay extra and switch to PPO?

Hi! I am not quite half way through the HMO process to be approved for WLS. It has taken a long time to get to this point. I've gotten most of the screening tests, except the psych eval (I go next month) and I haven't even gotten to see see the FIRST doctor for a screening consult. On top of that, I'm forced to go to a program that's not near my home, extremely busy, and definately not my first choice. I still probably have about 6 months to go before surgery. Well YEAH, my husband got a job with the state and we have the option to get the Cal PERS PPO (which is administered by BC/BS). The monthly cost to have us both covered would be $140 (our part of the premium). I would do it in a second, but the policy has a WLS exclusion, which reportedly does NOT apply to MO, but it does not specifically say that. Now I can't decide if I should switch. Depending on how things go, I could have my surgery in a few months. Then again, if I stick to my HMO, it might be a few months plus a few. There is also the risk that the new PPO does not pay, and of course at the very least, I'll at least have to pay a much higher copay than HMO. Well and there is the risk that the HMO won't approve me either (although they better, I've played their game so far!!). If you have any advice or thoughts, I'd appreciate it!

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