RE: Great West

I started this process on Feb. 5th. I inquired at a regular Dr. appt.  My PCP said for me to look in to it. I did and I called GW and found out that it was a covered benefit. I found this board and made a WLS consult appt for Feb. 26th. In the meanwhile: I got psych eval, nutritional eval, La Weight Loss Diet History (charts) and got my PCP letter of necessity. Went to 2nd WLS appt on March 26th and recv'd surgery date for May 22nd.  Got a call today from Great West and I've been APPROVED!!  This was almost too easy and I can't believe it. In less than 2 mos I went through the process.   I had initially heard that GW won't accept any diet other than PCP supervised but they did accept LAWL (as long as I included chart notes) and a detailed letter from PCP about weight loss attempts. Great West is wonderful!!!  They answer questions, return calls and make fast decisions!

Sweet. I wish they were all like that.

Hi Ca_girl. I am a Great Wester too!  Congratulations to you!!   I was approved in a week after submitting my documents to insurance.  Yes, it was so easy for me too but I also submitted everything they asked for and then some.  That is the key, find out what they (GW or any other insurance provider) requires and give it to them. My surgery date is April 18th.  See you on the losing side. MM

I have Great West and am getting my paper work together; the only thing I need is the psych. eval.  I had one scheduled for April 3rd but they cancelled and rescheduled me for June 5th.  I called the bariatric coordinator and she got my appointment moved to April 17. I heard that they do not approve people under 25 or people with a BMI over 50; however, many people that had these denials filed appeals and won.  I am 22 and have a BMI of 65.  I am hoping all goes well for me.  :)

I am soooooooo jealous of you! I wish you the best!  Cindy