Have you ever heard of this? I'm a little frustrated...

[Flup 48]

I have United Healthcare, and they do cover weight loss surgery (yay!!). However, my policy states that I should have a pre-authorization letter on file 6 months prior to surgery. I don't have to do any diet during that 6 months, nor do I have any other requirements - I just have to wait 6 months. It's frustrating because I seemingly have to wait for no real reason. The coordinator at the surgeon's office said that she's never come across a UHC policy that requires a person to do this, and she agrees that it's silly. Do you think it's worth it to call UHC and inquire more into WHY I have to wait 6 months? Is there some sort of appeal I can do? Or should I just suck it up and have patience?

[Andi 78]

That is kinda weird. I've heard of insurances that make you wait 6 months while you "prove that you can change". Others that want to see that you can't lose the weight without the surgery & you're actually capped at a limit. If you were to call them I'd ask them to clarify what it is that they're looking to see & if there is anything that could potentially disqualify you during this wait.

[Cristin 73]

Call them! Don't by any means just wait blindly. It would make it so much harder.

[Flup 48]

1. My coordinator has called, and I also called, and we both received the same information. But yes, I should call back and see if I could be disqualified for any reason during the 6 months wait.
   

[Cristin 73]

[*]My coordinator has called' date=' and I also called, and we both received the same information. But yes, I should call back and see if I could be disqualified for any reason during the 6 months wait.

[/quote']

That is so weird. Did you get a chance to ask WHY the ridiculous requirement is in place?

[toibunny 12]

CALLL It could be an error

[taurabird 142]

Call your insurance and ask to speak to the RN case manager that submits your file to the medical director that decides on whether u will be covered. That RN will know exactly what is needed in order to submit and why.

[Flup 48]

Call your insurance and ask to speak to the RN case manager that submits your file to the medical director that decides on whether u will be covered. That RN will know exactly what is needed in order to submit and why.

Thank you!