Aetna vs Kaiser??

Penni60 · February 14, 2007

Hey guys: I just started a new job this week and the insurance offered is either Aetna HMO / PPO or Kaiser.

Anyone had more or less or horrendous trouble getting approved for WLS with either of these companies? Just need some input before I make my decision. Thanks for all information.

Alexandra · February 14, 2007

Hey Penni! How are you? Nice to see you!

Unless your new job is self-insured, and has exclusions, I can tell you that Aetna covers WLS if you're medically qualified. They have the six-month medically supervised diet, and of course call for nutritional and psychological evaluations, but bariatric surgery is one of their standard protocols in treatment for morbid obesity.

So, what do you have up your sleeve? Are you thinking of being re-banded or are you going for something else?

Vicki J · May 15, 2007

Hi Penni! I know that Kaiser out in California does the lap band. From what I understand from some of the posts, it is not available in all of the states. I presume this is because Kaiser has just recently started doing this surgery. Call patient services and ask. Also, check your coverage because some of the plans do not cover it. Again, this is just what I've heard on the message boards. I'm in California and I'm currently getting started in the process. Good Luck!