University of Georgia Insurance

Hello all, I am a UGA employee looking for other UGA employees who have attempted to get WLS covered. I see that there is a written exclusion in the 2006 plans (I am on BCBS PPO, but it looks like the exclusion applies to all the plans). I was wondering if anyone had challenged this and what the results were if so. Thanks, B

BCBS has an exclusion on ALL policies UNLESS your employer chooses to take a "rider" policy that is specifically for WLS. Unfortunately UGA nor any State of Georgia health insurance cover WLS or anything to treat obesity. As far as I can tell there are VERY few companies covering it now. I believe Humana and Cigna are the only ones left. Despite a valant attempt the fight was lost to pass a law requiring companies to cover treatment for bariatrics. *shrug* It sucks a$$. Just my two cents..... Shree

Hi B...it's been awhile since you posted this. I was wondering if anything has changed. I work for the Board of Regents in Athens-same insurance as yours. I have not applied yet, but would expect to be turned down. Ironically, Georgia is one of the states which has passed an obesity non-discrimination law. I am thinking of applying and challenging the denial when it comes with a lawyer. Have you heard from anyone yet from the University System who has applied? Thanks, Mark Jones

When I worked at UGA I applied and was turned down twice. I don't honestly know of anyone that has ever gotten approved through them. Good luck though!! Shree

Hi Mark, No response, nope. I never really tried, though. After my last post I decided I didn't have it in me to fight just then. However, if someone else starts the battle I'd probably be willing to join in. I heard of one woman in my old dept. who got her WLS covered, but I think that was several years ago before the specific exclusion was added. Do keep me updated if you learn anything new, please! B.