Question:
Just heard this news today.....Cigna & Anthem no more WLS

No question here, just wanted to share what my case manager told me today. Apparantly starting January 1, 2005, Cigna and Anthem will no longer be paying for weight loss surgeries. Again, this is what the case manager working for my insurance company told me, so I thought I would share it with all.    — Stephanie W. (posted on October 18, 2004)

October 18, 2004
This varies state-state, as does BC/BS
   — Delores S.

October 18, 2004
Not only does it vary state to state, but employer to employer. Two different companies can have coverage from the same insurance company, but have two totally different policies. This is why it's almost pointless to ask other people with the same insurance how easy it was for them to get approved. One person may have Anthem (just as an example) and work for a huge company and have the "delux" policy, while another person can have Anthem, work for a much smaller company and have the "basic coverage" policy. Larger companies tend to be able to spend more on health care coverage and they know a good benefits package is important to their employees.
   — Ali M

October 20, 2004
I haven't heard the news about CIGNA & Anthem but I am an Aetna employee and know for a fact that 1/1/05 they will no longer pay for Gastric Bypass Surgery for its EMPLOYEES. It all depends on who your employer is and the benefit levels they choose to offer their employees. Guess it comes down to the almight dollar. Insurance companies would rather pay for years and years of medications for high blood pressure, insulin, C-PAP and surgeries for blocked arteries due to obesity/weight related issues, etc than pay for something that will permanently change your life for the better forever. Sad but true I'm afraid.....
   — vampyre200

October 20, 2004
I also have anthem bc/bs. Called, and was told that the company I work for picked up the rider policy and covers the procedure for at another year. It all depends on what the company you work for is willing to cover. With the health problems caused by the obesity, you think they would want to cover it.
   — Ruth D.

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