Anyone familier with United Health Care from Catapillar

This is my husbands insurance. I am a teacher who has Cigna. I called them last month and they said that there were no exclusions. I requested a policy. When I got it yesterday, there it was EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2003 *** Excluded ! I was so upset. Anyway.... My husband has insurance through Catapillar and they are self-insured. I was added one week after we were married August 1st. I called the company and they said that I was not held to the "pre-existing" condition clause because I applied for insurance within 30 days of the marriage. They also said that the surgery was covered. I was wondering if someone could calm my fears and assure me that this is correct or tell me what you went through. Does the fact that the company is self-insured matter? Has anyone working for Catapillar had this surgery? Anyone know about the pre-existing condition clauses? Thank you so much for listening..... Marsha Meck BMI50 First Surgeon consult Sept 15 (Dr. Khaitan Emory)