Question:
Does anyone have Aetna Open Choice through Home Depot?

I have insurance through my husbands employer--Home Depot. I just became eligible for coverage on 7-03-01. I called Member Services to find out if wls was covered. The rep said that they would require a photograph, and that my request would have to go before the review board. But at least she didn't say it was not covered and there is no exclusion stated in the benefits book (Yeah!) What I would like to know is how many people have had this done through insurance at Home Depot? How long did it take to get approved? How long before you got your medical card? And finally, can I go ahead and get started without waiting for the card to come? I actually tried to have this surgery 6 months ago but was denied. The weightloss center still has all my paperwork and the results of all my pre-op testing (hoping I won't have to repeat all that stuff!) coverage started this week and the rep gave me my member# and group#. Whaddaya think? Thanks Kathy Davis    — Kathy D. (posted on July 7, 2001)

July 7, 2001
My Aetna coverage took effect on the 1st of this month. I received my cards last Saturday, before my coverage took effect. I made an appointment with a surgeon before my cards arrived, but won't see that surgeon until November. The other surgeon I tried to make an appointment with won't let me do so because they need to review my paperwork and then decide if I qualify for the surgery. I have called Aetna several time in the past week to see what I needed to do to obtain approval--basically, it needs to be Medically Necessary, my PCP needs to send a letter stating so with a list od failed diets and WL medications. I have never heard of a photo being necessary. The operator told me 4 to 6 weeks for approval. You might have issues with Aetna if you have already tried to have the surgery within the past year, I don't know though. My employer is not Home Depot but the coverage seems to be really similar in all the Aetna plans. E-mail me if you need any other information. Good Luck!
   — jenn2002