How hard is the insurance battle

[fishy09 0]

So I have started the first step...the seminar. I know this is what I want to do and have been thinking about it for a year now. I work in the O.R. and see these patients all the time. I never thought it would be me someday I am really afraid of failure. I have read so much on this board, especially when it comes to the insurance. I have Healthpartners and I got the info. The qualifications dont seem so tough but maybe I am dreaming. How is Healthpartners in all of this? Thanks kn advance.

[1RockinMom 0]

If your insurance covers it.. good, that gets the ball rolling!! I wish i did it sooner, I have been working for the same company for 4 years now. I love it, wounldnt change my mind for anything or anyone. Good luck with your Journey.

[fishy09 0]

I have been reading that your insurance company may cover it but your employer may not. Is that true . I work for a very small company of 20. I could just see the owner of the company getting a chuckle out of that one since we dont have a HR department.

[WendyII 0]

I have been reading that your insurance company may cover it but your employer may not. Is that true :thumbup:. I work for a very small company of 20. I could just see the owner of the company getting a chuckle out of that one since we dont have a HR department. :sad:

This cannot be true. HIPPA privacy laws would protect you. My insurance approval was pretty easy, though I don't have the same coverage as you. Good luck.

[Mr. Green 3]

This cannot be true. HIPPA privacy laws would protect you. My insurance approval was pretty easy, though I don't have the same coverage as you. Good luck.

I believe that your employer can have a rider on the insurance policy excluding the coverage of certain things such as WLS, Plastics, Fertility treatments, etc. I have read on here certain people having WLS excluded from there policy.

[surgerygal 0]

Hi fishy, I too work in the OR and am in the process of getting approved to have lap banding. I hope things go well for you.

[THEBIGGESTLOSER427 0]

Hi Fishy09,

I went to my insurance company's web site and typed in weight loss surgery. I don't know if the information I learned of is universal but according to my insurance company and the NIH, if you have a BMI of 40 or greater WLS is then a medical necessity. If your BMI is greater than 35 and there are co-mobidities (i.e. hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea etc., then the chances are also greater for you being viewed as needing a medical necessitated procedre. The thing is that in most cases the procedure has to be FDA approved---as experimental procedures generally are not covered. Hope this is somewhat helpful.

THEBIGGESTLOSER427