Scared...Insurance....

Those of you that have been kind enough to help me through questions over the last week have probably figured out that I'm a terrible worrier...

My 2012 benefit information from my employer came in the mail yesterday, as always, costs are going up, etc.etc.etc.  Well they have decided that certain procedures are not going to be covered any longer.  One of the procedures not covered starting 1/1/2012 is Bariatric Surgery.  This angers me for many reasons, because it's a surgery that SHOULD be covered, but also, I'm just beginning my own insurance process.  I spoke with Jan (RN) at the insurance company last week and she stated they do not require a 3/6 month medically supervised diet on my plan.  BUT, I know how hard it can be to jump through hoops to get covered, and now I'm afraid as it's so close to the 1st that they will require that now, or try to deny me due to my plan changing (obviously not telling me that though).  I'm completely panicking.  Again, my Doc and Psych said I'm a perfect candiate, but at the same time, I'm extraordinarily healthy for a 345lb woman.  I do have arthritis in my knees and back, and horrible shortness of breath and struggle with my cholesterol, but my other "comorbitities" include a slightly elevated fasting glucose...possible prediabetic, etc. 

Has anyone been through this with insurance, it wouldn't bother me at all but with the policy going to no coverage I'm completely freaking out.  I ddi WW for a year and have receipts of that, I also was on phen phen (medically supervised) but when I was 17....which was 14 years ago. 

If anyone has any insight on this or words of wisdom/confidence/prayers.  I would really appreciate this.  I need this surgery so bad, I can hardly get out of bed some days because of my knees and back.  Thank you all again so much for your support.

Does your surgeon have a waiting list? If they do not have the 3/6mos dieting requirement, why not get the tests needed to submit to them (insurance) asap and try and get a date before 1/1/2012. I did not think I would get approved so quickly because my insurance required 6mos of dieting. Today would have marked 3 months since my 1st appt with the surgeon and I am having my surgery tomorrow morning. You definitely have to be proactive...stay positive

Thank you so much.  I saw my surgeon on 10/11, had my psych eval on 10/13.  The only thing they are waiting on to submit to insurance is the results from the psych eval, which my psych said takes her about a week to complete.  She is recommending me, which she told me.   So all the testing I need done for now is done.  I will need lab work, a chest xray and a gallbladder US after insurance approval.  Basically the Dr's office has told me to hold tight until they submit to insurance and I should hear back the week of the 24th....

It doesn't stop me from panicking though!!  They told me if no denials happen they should be able to do surgery within a month.

Best of luck to you tomorrow on your surgery !!  :)

So glad to hear!!! You will do fine...and i will pray that you get a response soon and all goes well. Thank you so much...hard to believe tomorrow is so close by. Keep us updated on the status