Question:
How do you change thier minds?

My insurance specifically lists obesity as an exclusion. I went to an endocrinologist who also took pt.s loosing weight, and he had to put down he was treating me for asthma for them to cover the office visit, I had to pay for my own diet related meds. I am wanting to go the wls route, but know they wont cover it. Does anyone have experience changing their minds? What would I need to do? I work for a hospital who is self insured, so changing insurance companies is not an option--there is no choice. If I bought coverage out of pocket, it would cost me another 200.00 plus/month, something we cannot do right now. (although it would be cheaper than paying for the surgery itself, lol) I wondered if there was a way to make them change their policy, or anything. There are 3 other people at my work interested in this surgery.(that I know of) We are all over 100 pounds overweight, and have at least one other thing wrong, like osteo arthritis, HTN, or diet controlled diabetes. Thanks for any input. Or you can e-mail me at [email protected] Thanks!    — Michelle H. (posted on December 12, 2000)

December 12, 2000
Michelle: I too, work for a hospital, that is self insured. They also specifically denied me due to the exclusion. WHat I did was to go the the human resource department (However, I happen to work closely with that departments director) Anyway, I spoke with the director & manager, and stated why I felt they should at least look at the option of changing their policy. I came in totally prepared, with documentation to show them. They changed their minds!! I was able to resubmit, and it is know a covered benefit as of 1-1-01!! (Now, I just pray I don't chicken out!!) SO, try it, you have nothing to loose :)
   — [Anonymous]