Question:
has anyone ever had to bring the issue of wls before a union commitee?

I need help. I need to bring this issue up to a contract committee and not sure how to go about it. Anyone ever done this? Has it worked? Was it added to their insurance coverage? Only have one shot for the next 3 years. Please help.    — deborah D. (posted on April 12, 2001)

April 12, 2001
Good luck to you. I sent every member of my husband's union Board Of Trustees a 28 page packet that I made up. I had letters of medical necessity from my doctors, the National Inst of Health documentation, the Mayo clinic reports, personal letters from myself and lots of other things. After their review, they still denied me. They did not consult a doctor who knew anything about the surgery, and told me and I quote, "we are of the opinion that this surgery is unsafe and ineffective"...also, "many seek to have this procedure reversed because they cannot cope"... "there are other, less drastic ways to achieve weight loss"...and finally, "this surgery is not used to treat co-mordities and other health problems". We know, all of these "claims" are made up and FALSE! Obviously they did not give me a Full and Fair review which is my right under ERISA law. That is why the Department Of Labor got involved... it was obvious I was just given a bunch of bull. The union cannot support any of their claims in my denial letter. I was so frustrated with dealing with them that I changed insurances and had my surgery 2 months ago. There's alot of "shady" things going on in my husband's local union right now anyway (Teamsters). The Department of Labor is still involved because what their denial letter states and it is obvious to them I did not get that Full and Fair Review. Good luck to you. Hopefully, you'll be dealing with people are are willing to be educated on the matter. Mine were concerned ONLY about their own pocketbooks and paychecks! Sorry to sound bitter - but I am - even though I am blessed to have been able to get other insurance and have my surgery - the union can't keep doing this to their union members/dependants.
   — T.L. S.

April 12, 2001
I know you having a hard time getting this, but all union are not the same. Ours we have a board of Health and Welfare department and they are union members that stand on that board and work for us. The union members. If you have something like that then I don't see there to be a problem. They should help you. Ask and see if there is such a thing in your union. Are union is a great one so helpful. We are self insured and we can pick who ever we want it insure us. I hope this helps you.
   — [Anonymous]