Hi. I work in insurance and it is all in what the company you work for elects when they purchase their policy from the insurance company. Unfortunately,I don't think you will be able to win an appeal because the premiums the company (and employees) pay are based on the coverages elected by the group. So basically they won't cover a surgery that you haven't paid premiums for. I hope you work something out. UHC is usually great about approvals as long as the policy includes the procedures. Good luck.