One Employer, Two Plans, Only One Covers WLS

Has anyone experienced this.  My employer offers two different plans, one is Anthem BCBS and the other is Humana.  The Anthem plan covers WLS (just started in 2007) and Humana does not.  Both plans are offered to all employees and I just happen to be a memeber of Humana.  I would have changed to Anthem at open enrollment had I know.  Both plans cost the exact same amount and are available to all management employees (that's me!) My company benefit specialist says that both plans have to have identical coverage.  She's looking into it for me.   I wonder if there is some kind of law that forces them to have equal coverage.  I wonder if I can take the "descrimination" angle if they don't come back with some good news. Anyone run into this before?

I was/am in the same exact position.  My employer has a self -funded plan.  Your insurance administrator is determined by your zipcode.  In my zipcode I'm covered by Highmark BC/BS.  Employees who live in the boardering state have coverage under Cigna.  BC/BS doesn't cover Lap Band and Cigna does.  I pay the same premium as those who have the benefit coverage that I DON"T HAVE and that ticks me off.   However, after 3 denials from BC/BS, it was time to appeal to my employer.  They denied me to but they did an audit of the denial and saw that my denial was based on only the distribution of the insurance plans not being fair.  They called me a few weeks ago and re-opened my appeal and have now made a change to the policy that they hold with Highmark BC/BS.  They must look at Lap Band authorizations the same as all other covered bariatric services.   It seems like your benefit specialist sees the error of the companys ways though.  That's a HUGE hurdle right there.  I contacted our and although she agreed with me...nothing was done. I will cross my fingers and hope that you get a speedy, positive result.  If not, fight, fight, fight. I may not be at the end of the road yet and they can even still deny me after that but I'll appeal until my face turns BLUE.  Don't go down without a fight!!! Best of luck!! Gina B.