HBCBS NJ...Still Waiting

[LumpySpacePrincess 594]

I had high hopes from all the stories I heard about people getting approvals in 1-3 days. Its been a week and still nothing yet. One kind customer service agent at my insurance company gave me a number to give the insurance coordinator so they could put a rush on my file, but my surgeon's office refuses to call. I can't get a surgery date until I get the insurance approval. (That seems weird to me, because everyone else I talked to said they had a date set before now. hmmm).

I'm just very, VERY anxious about this. I've been waiting six months since I went to the seminar to get everything in place, I've been on the pre-op diet for three weeks already, even though they only require me to be on for three weeks before surgery, keeping in touch with the nutritionist, etc. I just want my surgery date. I've put my entire life on hold for this, including pushing off starting my PhD program for a year so the start of that didn't collide with surgery.

Thank goodness I can email my therapist whenever I need to, because yesterday my anxiety turned into a full-blown panic attack for about two hours. I feel like the waiting is like when they send a jury out on a murder trial; the longer the jury stays out, the more likely they will come back with an acquittal (or in my case, a denial).

I need some good vibes and mental hugs today!!

[JerseyGirl68 1,172]

I'm surprised that the office won't call for you. My doctor is out of the same office, and I could'nt set a date before I had my approval also. Stay tough, it will come.

These two may not have any effect on each other, but I know at the office, we have been having a bear of a time getting info from Horizon this month. They claim it's because of all the new Obamacare regs, they needed all hands on deck to get that straightened out. I don't think taking longer is an indicator of denial. I think if they found something to deny you for it would be quick. I also can't imagine them submitting if they thought your paperwork wasn't in order.

I think I've said this before, but hoping for a day or so turnaround was just that.. Hoping. It can take a few weeks, in my case (also Horizon BCBSNJ) just a day or so over a week. Nothing you can do but wait, try not to let it get the best of you.

Keeping you in my prayers for a quick answer.

[LumpySpacePrincess 594]

I'm surprised that the office won't call for you. My doctor is out of the same office, and I could'nt set a date before I had my approval also. Stay tough, it will come.

These two may not have any effect on each other, but I know at the office, we have been having a bear of a time getting info from Horizon this month. They claim it's because of all the new Obamacare regs, they needed all hands on deck to get that straightened out. I don't think taking longer is an indicator of denial. I think if they found something to deny you for it would be quick. I also can't imagine them submitting if they thought your paperwork wasn't in order.

I think I've said this before, but hoping for a day or so turnaround was just that.. Hoping. It can take a few weeks, in my case (also Horizon BCBSNJ) just a day or so over a week. Nothing you can do but wait, try not to let it get the best of you.

Keeping you in my prayers for a quick answer.

Thank you! That was honestly the most helpful and reasonable explanation anyone has given me so far! Makes total sense about things being slowed down because of Obamacare. I actually feel more relaxed about it now. Would still love to get a call from the office saying I'm approved today but now at least I have a justifiable reason why its not going as fast.