Pls suggest a good insurance company...

I've had Aetna thru my job for many years and just recently I tried to get the surgery but there was to much red tape and lobbing. So I'm really not happy with them. So I was really hoping you guys could suggest an insurance that wont make me wait 6 months prefrably. Also I'm on a limited budget, I can maybe spend $150-$200 max a month! I live in New Jersey also. If you have any questions pls feel free to leave a message.

So if you guys could provide phone numbers, websites, or any info at all that would be great.

I thank you all in advanced.

-Test Monkey

From what I understand, BCBS of NC is the main insurance paying for gastric now.... however, they DO require 6 months of Dr. supervised Diet.  I'm not sure whether you'd be dealing with any pre-existing condition waiting period.

Thanks,

Kelly

If you are talking about buying your own private insurance policy, it's not going to happen. They will quote obese people extreme rates, then make sure all obesity related treatments are excluded from the policy.

I have Aetna and I only had to do 3 months of supervised diet under my surgeon. Once all the paperwork was submitted, I was approved two days later. A three to six month pre-op diet is pretty good, some companies require up to two years.  With Aetna there are a few hoops but if you jump through them all they will approve surgery.

Stephanie, for your three month regimen, how many times did you see the exercise/physical therapist?

Never. I just had to see the NUT at my surgeon's office each month.

Steph

So getting an outisde insurer isnt a good idea? I guess ill stick with my current insurance if thats the consensus.

Oxford!!! It's available in the tri-state area. That's who I have. The reqs were a BMI over 40 (35 with co-morbidities) and a letter of medical necessity from your doc. I was approved in 48 hours.
If you self-insure it won't work, but if your employer offers them as an option or you can find a new job where they use that insurance, go for it. It's only a $150 co-pay for the hospital stay.

If you currently have WLS coverage, even with the waiting/dieting requirement, thank you lucky stars. You may feel 6 months if forever, but there are many of us that have been waiting years hoping and praying for coverage...

OK you guys have sold me on it, Ill stay with my current option.

Tho im curious, why is it such a pain/impossible if you get a plan outside a work place?