CajunDisney

My insurance is with UHC under Office of Group Benefits (Louisiana). There is an exclusion on my policy that will not allow me to have the surgery. Aside from becoming a self-pay, is there an insurance company I can purchase a policy from (rather than using employer carrier) that will cover this procedure? I am so disappointed that my insurance won't cover it.

what is the cheapest price you have found? Do you know much about the doctor? Found out yesterday that UHC will cover the procedure, but Office of Group Benefits (OGB) won't. OGB is the insurance for Louisiana state employees. Still doing research, but looks like the only way to get this done is by being self-pay. Sucks!! So, I am trying to find the best deals. Not sure I can even afford to go this route, but I am exploring all options. I am so desperate to have this done...you just don't know. Any and all advice and recommendations would be greatly appreciated. BTW...what is the average cost for a fill if I am self-pay?

Wow! The link in your signature is awesome! Fantastic information! Thanks for sharing and for all the hard work you put into that. Let me see if I understand...you fly from San Antonio to Mexico, right? If so, do you have a ballpark figure for the cost of the flight. If I could calculate approximate flight costs, I could see if it is cheaper to go to Mexico or stay here in US.

This was surgery only and not the cost of getting to mexico, right?

Other than becoming self-pay, are there any other options or ways to fight it? What about state laws prohibiting insurance companies from denying a claim due to medical reasons? Is this really true...even if there are exclusions?

I am interested!

FWIW... I have PCOS. Periods come whenever they feel like it. Last couple of years, I have been passing lots of tissue (not just clots). (sorry if TMI). Doctor finally did some further tests and discovered that I had hyperplasia. That was after I had been bleeding for 2 months STRAIGHT and getting heavier by the day! Had a D&C done on 12/10/07. At the point where I went in for surgery, I was going through a pad every 2 hours! Talk about thinking you are going to bleed to death!!! Took a week after surgery to stop bleeding. Haven't had a period yet. Not PG either. I am HOPING that if I can get approval for LB, it will help straighten my body out! This is so frustrating. I don't have kids either, but want them so badly. To know that LB has helped you is encouraging for me though! TFS.

A friend of mine told me the newest procedure being done now is called the sleeve. Anyone know what this is and how it compares to the band?

well, I just looked at my benefits online and it doesn't look like it will cover it. *&&*^%$:regular_smile: My main benefits page says it is excluded, even for medical reasons. HOWEVER, there was another resource for United Heatlh Resources that provides some sort of assistance (not sure to what extent) with bariatric treatments. Anyone had any experience with this? Going to call my GP tomorrow and see what she says I should do.

When my sister had GB 12 years ago, the doctors gave her a meal card that gives her permission to order from a child's menu when she is at a restaurant. Do they do this when you have LB done as well? CajunDisney

thanks for the information. I think I will stick with LB!

ok. reading this makes me nervous. my doctor told me the other day that UHC was really good about paying for LB. I hope I don't run into any problems.

I keep reading threads mentioning pre-op diet. What is involved and where can I find more information? Thanks. CajunDisney

Too funny! Thanks, citygirl, for the information. I thought I was missing something on here.

Thanks for the information & search tip!

I just discovered this board and I am already overwhelmed by the amount of information here. I am seriously considering having a lapband done within the next 6 to 8 weeks. My question is this...since this is an outpatient procedure, can I return to work 3 days later or even a week later? I am a 4th grade teacher. Thanks! CajunDisney

Thanks for the information. I am trying to arrange my procedure to be done the end of March when we will be out for Spring Break so I will have a week to recuperate before having to return to school.