From Cigna to United. Need Advice!

[NewLeaf15 20]

Hello,

I'm in the middle of my process. I currently have Cigna and they cover bariatric surgery with a 90 day supervised diet. I did all of the other requirements and just waiting on time. Next week is my 3rd consult and the bariatric center I'm visiting likes to add a 4th visit to ensure the insurance company won't deny it. They said Cigna is pretty good. Now I'm in the process of getting a new job (unexpectedly). I asked about their insurance and they have United. I'm like freaking the heck out!! I might turn this job down, (even though it's a better career opportunity) because I keep reading that UHC doesn't cover it. I figured I would come to the experts, you guys. I read that it requires a 6 months supervised diet so this would push it from November to end of January. I live in Florida, in case that makes a different. I've searched and searched the web about the coverage and I keep reading contradicting information.

I also left a voicemail at the Bariatric center to see what they say but I haven't heard from them.

any thoughts on United Healthcare?

Thank you!

[Ryan TN 348]

I unfortunately have no advice for you, but I am in a similar situation. My employer is switching from cigna to United at the beginning of the year. We've had cigna for 15 years at least, its all ive ever had there anyways. I have already been through the 4 month diet plan and was approved a couple weeks ago and will be having the sleeve at the end of the month. United is doing meetings this week, i will try to get in one and see what's up with surgery and get back with you.

[Bluesky1 191]

Perhaps check into what specific United Plan the new company has, and call them directly.

Edited September 24, 2015 by Bluesky1

[TristanNicole 169]

I have united healthcare and I was approved for bypass this week, I did have to do a 6 month supervised diet (6 months=6 visits). From my experience and what I had researched at the beginning, it depends on what package your employer signed up for. I have united healthcare choice plus for railroad employees, however if you also have the choice plus plan with a different employer coverage may be different. I know this probably isn't helpful, just sharing my experience.

[Ryan TN 348]

Well, I dropped the ball this week. Wanted to go to one of the infosessions today, I thought they were all week, but i was wrong. Yesterday was the last day.

[kimlynn1980 14]

I have uhc through my job, I work for the city i live in. I had to wait 6 months, and have been approved to have the surgery. We scheduled it for 10/26, hopefully nothing changes. I am also getting cigna (I'll be double covered) through my husband's job, but his plan says cigna doesn't do bariatric. That's why I'm keeping my uhc coverage. Anyway, I'm still so nervous that somehow uhc isn't going to cover it even though I was told it was approved.... I guess it's just jitters, this is my first time having any kind of surgery, other than a cesarean section...

[Jersrose43 837]

Your united policy is specific to the employer so because you don't work there United won't be able to tell you anything at all.

United does cover it if the employer chooses the rider. 85% of united business is self insured therefore each employer can choose what they pay for and what they do not

There are legislative requirement but weight Loss surgery is not federally required. There are 13 states that mandate you must cover it. You might want to google it.

[NewLeaf15 20]

Thank you everyone for your input.. Here's an update..

I'm hoping people with this experience can give me some insight...

I'm currently under Cigna and the management company at my hotel is changing and they're covering us until October 30th, just my luck that the center is going to submit the paperwork on November 4th for approval so at that point I won't be under Cigna anymore. I spoke to the rep of the old management company and she said that we will be receiving Cobra paperwork in mid October to extend the insurance for another 18 months, however I would have to pay the 100% premium which she said it's high. At this point I rather pay the premium and know I'll have the Surgery in November. Now I spoke to the new management company coming in and I told her my concern, she said that they have United Healthcare and they have 3 different plans and we would talk more about it on Thursday when the new company arrives. I know United is 6 months for nutrition and Cigna is 90 days. My fear is that if I go with Cobra, will they cover it? Will Cobra cover the same exact thing Cigna covered? I don't mind paying the premium, I just want to be able to be covered under the same exact coverage Cigna had me under. They told me it's best not to have two insurance because it gets messy. I did some research last night and it seems that Cobra would cover whatever Cigna covered. I just don't want to be denied. Any insight how Cobra works, or what you would recommend? Thank you!

[Ryan TN 348]

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm

Some info on COBRA, it's not a separate company, it's more of a right you have as an employee. With that said, you may be better off financially by paying for the surgery itself and going with your new policy for insurance coverage. Just a thought.