An Update On Me

Many of you know my looooong story. Well, I finally got a call from Cigna the day before Thanksgiving. Apparently my 2nd appeal (yes, I was denied AGAIN, because my PCP didn't submit the diet documentation the way Cigna wanted it), had gotten "misdirected" and they are asking for an additional 15 days so that their committee (a surgeon and 2 other clinicians), can review my case. 15 days?!?! That will almost be mid-December and my insurance changes January 1, 2006! After nearly a year (January 12, 2005 was my consultation), this is sooooo old for me. In January, my surgeon said that I should have surgery by April 2005! Constant delays for six months due to endless administrative snafu's, then 2 denials from my insurance company since July, and now my 2nd appeal was apparently 'lost' for two weeks, even though I sent it where they wanted it sent. As of yesterday, I have now received 3 letters from Cigna this week, all stating the 15-day extension for their review, and that I now have a "committee meeting" on 12/15 via teleconference. After the meeting they state they have another 15 days in which to send me their decision on my WLS. It doesn't look like WLS is meant to be for me this year. I have been at this since January! Nearly a year. Maybe January 2006 will bring me a clean slate, with new insurance, and no more administrative errors delaying my WLS any longer. Thanks to all who have been there for me through this whole mess, I mean journey! Love you guys! Happy Holidays to all! Huggs, Ruth

(((((((((((((Ruth)))))))))))))) don't give up. I have Cigna too and I know how confusing they are. I think you still have hope of getting an approval before 15 more days pass. I was on the Yahoo group Cignasqueakywheels and many people would be told they would have a conference, and get a phone call right before it and be told they were approved. If you sent in everything required, they are probably just being Cigna and stalling just to frustrate you more. All the more reason to have faith and not give up! You will be in my prayers!

Thanks for the support Carol! Huggs, Ruth

AWWWWWWW RUTH ((((((((((BIG HUG )))))))))) I AM SOOO SORRY BUT HEY APRIL ISN'T THAT FAR AWAY THAT'S WHAT U TOLD ME ABOUT MARCH REMEMBER IF U NEED TO TALK U KNOW HOW TO REACH ME LOVE CANDY

Thanks Sweetums! My reference to April was for THIS year! That is long gone! Hoping for as soon as possible once all is sent to the new insurance company! Maybe we will have our surgery at the same time! Huggs, Ruth

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO THAT WOULD BE AWESOME U KNOW I GOT YOUR BACK LOVE CANDY

Ruth, First let me say how sorry I am that you are having to go through all this! That sucks, I wish this could all be so much easier. I am going through a similiar situation, although not quite as bad. I have finally been scheduled for surgery, and it will be January 11. My current insurance will stop Decenber 31! I am picking up Blue shield beginning in January, but there is no possible way that they will approve me in 11 days! I am so dissappointed, I dont know what to do. For now, i am just waiting for my current insurance to approve me REALLY fast and PRAY A LOT that someone cancels their surgery in December and I can get my date moved up. I know, a lot of hoping and praying, but its possible, right? Like i said, i wish this was so much easier for all of us.

Thanks Karyn! Someone needs to kick insurance companies square in the behind! I am still hoping to be approved this month and possibly squeezing in before the end of the year. But if not, January is just around the corner. New year, new insurance, new me??? Sounds good to me! Hang in there Karyn... our day is coming! Huggs, Ruth

Hi Ruthie, Im sorry for all this you have to go thru. Im sure it will all work out for you in a positive way. I will be here for you no matter what. I just hope you and Candy dont have your surgery exactly at the same time cause I wont know what to do . Hang in there kiddo, and I will see you soon. Hugs, Soos

Thanks Soos! ((((((((((HUGGS!)))))))))) I know it will all work out in the end.... it has just been soooooooooo long now! Don't worry, even if Candy and I have surgery on the exact same day, you ALWAYS know just what to do! Although the likelyhood of that happening is highly, well.... unlikely! Love ya! Huggs, Ruth