Anyone know of any magor changer Cigna is making for 2008?

I have started the 6 mo diet for a LapBand approval.  Since I will not be finished until after first of the year, I am worried they might change their policy or something.  I know none of you have a crystal ball, I was just wondering if anyone heard of any magor changes to the PPO plan? PS, I know it's different  for each Employer, the carrier is Verizon

That is a very good question, I also have Cigna through American Express a HMO plan and was wondering the same thing. I will finish my 6 month supv diet the beginning of december but from what I heard they take close to 30 days for approval and that would put me into the new year, Im hoping they wont take that long... If you do happen to hear something please let me know.... I keep checking my online policy to see if anything has changed and the last time they revised mine was 05/2007.. So Im hoping they wont make any changes next year, at least not at the beginning of the year.

"Usually companies with as many employees as Verizon are self insured.  That means they just pay the medical bills and hire someone like CIGNA to administer it.  They do that so that the employees and the providers they go to don't freak out because both see what they are used to as far as ins cards, paperwork, etc." They do it because it is required by state insurance laws. You can't just pay claims as you see fit, you must have a licensed Third Party Administrator (which can be an insurance company) handle the claims. Of course an employer can set themselves up as a TPA, but it is costly and doesn't happen often unless you are employed by a firm that is actually a TPA themselves (such as  Gallagher-Basset or Cambridge). Just because a firm is "self-insured" doesn't mean they don't have to jump thru the same legal hoops as an insurance company would. (Signed - an insurance broker)

Truly, Paul in TXis right.  I have Cigna PPO w/ Verizon and they cover having a baby but not birth control pills. go figure they decide.  I was just received my deniel letter from them on the Lap-band.  Now I am looking into getting the money for self-pay so that I can have the VSG done.  Good luck to you and I hope they approve you for the band.... Robin

Robin, Did they deny you AFTER you completed the required 6 month supervised diet?  nI think no matter what surgery you try to get through Verizon, they require the 6 month thing.   Self pay is expensive, are you certain as to why they denied you?