Question:
After I was denied, my employer went to bat for me.

This is an update to the post I had last week about getting news that my case was before the review board and then getting a denial letter the next day. I appealed to my employer first, as we are a self-funded plan. They intervened and faxed a letter to the insurance company directing them to pay for the surgery "out of contract." Today the surgeon's office called with the news that they had received approval. I feel a little guilty for not fighting the big, bad insurance company. I let my employer fight for me, I guess. Now I have to figure out how to wait until September!    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on June 28, 1999)

June 28, 1999
Ann--I'm so happy for you. Over a yr ago our ins denied WLS for me. Now, I am starting the whole process over again. We also are in a self-funded ins plan. You have given me hope if I am denied again, I will approach the employer and plead my case. Best of luck to you.
   — Kathleen M.