I need info please.......

I deperately want/need to have the gastric bypass surgery, but of course my insurance (United Healthcare) does not have a morbid obesity rider.  The have advised that I have my regular physician write a letter to their claims department to try and get approval for the procedure before referring me to a bariatric surgeon.  I was just wondering if any of you have been through this process and if so how hard was it to get approval without having the rider??? All help will be greatly appreciated..... Melissa

Im going thru it right now.  I have called my health insurance and got the same thing.  But I found a Dr and they are talking to the insurance company.  I think they know something I don't.  Someone also wrote me and said that their insurance agreed to pay a % of the surgury but not all.  I think if the Dr calls then they will agree to pay out of network costs, or at least that's what I hope.  Then we won't have to pay for 100%.  I'd be happy with any % that they would pay. Either way Im getting this done.

I really appreciate your reply.  Good Luck to you!  My doctor has told me for quite sometime that he would do whatever he could to help me with this.  Of course his words speak louder than his actions so far, so it is up to me to get the ball rolling.  I have tried every diet known to man and while some have been a quick fix I know that I need a permanent solution if that makes since.  My mother had the bypass done in 89 and boy could I tell you stories (I think that is why I avoided it for as long as possible) but I know things have greatly changed since then.  Keep me posted with your fight as I will with mine....... 

Good luck to you . I have heard of what he is talking about .. so it could happen ..  I ask you to please do not give up . If this is something that you truly want and know you need .. keep going at it ..  I would suggest that if for some reason they do pay part of it .. and you need to finance any of it .. to check to see if they take Care Credit .. this is like a credit card and could help you with the cost .  Best wishes to you .. I know you will get it . you just gotta keep at it   .  Tink

Thank you so much, and I don't plan on giving up.  When I feel I'm right about something I will fight to the very end.  On a side note I also think that you made the right call about your grandson also.  From reading your post I could truly sense that the child felt you were his only out from the situation and was looking to you for help.  Good Luck!!!!