bad news at pre op support group last night

Hi everyone, We post ops attend all preop meetings for info and support for pre ops. Last night our Doctor informed everyone that he has received letters from most CT insurance companies in the last week or so that they will be withdrawing from supporting wls coverage as of the end of everyones coverage dates. If your coverage is renewed on 1/1/05 they will not pay for coverage this year. If your renewal date is 7/1/05 it may still be possible if you have begun your preliminary requirements, but it will be reviewed on a case to case basis. Our doctor has advised us to all join together to require the government to review this to deem it discriminatory. This happens a lot. Obesity is a disease. Just as alcoholism is (and is federally mandated to allow treatment and coverage by insurance) Precentage of coverage is the only thing that would probably be different, but it would be required to be covered. Try to support everyone who hasn't gotten there yet and deserves that right if they want it, so write your state rep in your area. Thanks, Tee

I have been hearing about these awful changes for a while (both from Dr & on-line). I don't remember where I got this link but it is for a petition to mandate insurance companies to cover obesity treatment (including surgery). For those who want to "sign" here is the link: http://www.petitiononline.com/07221976/

Signed it! Man am I grateful I made it under the wire! I feel so badly for those that are not going to. I hope this insurance company approach can be changed! Sher'