bridgetgirl

I just got an update regarding this health care plan.... regarding Bariatric surgery... drum roll...... Effective May 1, 2005 Covered only at centers of Expertise and includes a travel benefit if the nearest COE is 50 miles or more from the Member's residence.

Yeah at least it's still a covered benefit in Cali... shoot we pay an arm and a leg for homes, gas and milk, this is the least they could do for us. Yippee!

__________________
J.Bridget Fisher aka koi-pea
2/9/04 lap 5'11"
298/170-trying to lose another 10

www.myspace.com/caliclovercutie
What Sawyer would call me on LOST: ladybug

"People will argue with you that getting what you want in life isn’t something you can learn, if you’re destined to be one of the worlds winners as opposed to one of its perpetual whiners, its because you have been born with the right talents and temperament and have a big dose of self-esteem, ambition, and good judgment." Kate White

Mr AOR

I wonder what their criteria is for "centers of expertise." I wonder who's excluded - that would be an interesting report, methinks!

You're right about costs in California...man, it's crazy! A recent report said that only 12% of the population in San Diego can afford to buy a home. 12%!!! Yet, here we stay...!

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Mike
Open w/ Dr. Callery
March 22, 2004
411/224/229

LauraLee

Not all of us are staying. I am out of here. Just bought a home in the Phoenix area! Woo Hoo. It will be ready in 10 months!
To much is happening to me all at one time!

Laura
Dr.Callery
Lap
April 12,2005

Gatzby

Does that mean "Dr. Rob's House of Butterknife Surgery" won't be allowed to submit claims towards your insurance?

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-Rob
Not covered by insurance. How nice, they will pay for the symptoms...but not the cure for my disease.

Meaghan

It is ridiculous here... my car insurance doubled and my RENT for a 2 bedroom apt, is 3 times what I payed on a mortgage for a 3 bedroom house in North Carolina - to top that off - my insurance isn't covering my surgery....talking about the short end of the stick!

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Meaghan
LAP GB
4/8/05
5'7"
238/138/125 (I secretly wish!)

HAMPTON5555

Meaghan,

Are you paying for your surgery on your own? That seems so expensive.

I am curious about why you chose WLS, when your BMI is only 36. I thought the minimum was 40.

Tell me to mind my own business if you prefer. I was just wondering.

Rain

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Rain
12-27-04 Dr. Callery (Open RNY)
296 before pre-op
285/164/155 5'7"1/2

"Where you are matters more, if you remember where you've been."
"It's the journey, not the destination!!!"

Meaghan

Let's see... yes I am having to pay for my surgery - it is an exclusion in my policy. You're right - it is expensive. But I am by no means the first person to pay out of pocket for surgery.

I'm having it for the same reasons I assume you did. I am 100 pounds overweight and can fill a page with co-morbidites. I can no longer live like this and shouldn't have to if I have an opportunity to do otherwise regardless of the number of my BMI.

I believe the 40 BMI or 35 with serious co-morbidities is a minimum standard set by insurance companies for approval. I seriously doubt any doctor would risk malpractice, etc, if he didn't feel I was a candidate for the surgery.

Actually my BMI is 37.4 now, as I've gained some weight, but thanks for your concern.

__________________
Meaghan
LAP GB
4/8/05
5'7"
238/138/125 (I secretly wish!)

bridgetgirl

I guess I will have to google Centers of Expertise... whatever!

lauraLee, Im sorry to hear you are moving sugar pea! I might be joining you though, I plan on making a move in feburary and Arizona is one area of interest!

__________________
J.Bridget Fisher aka koi-pea
2/9/04 lap 5'11"
298/170-trying to lose another 10

www.myspace.com/caliclovercutie
What Sawyer would call me on LOST: ladybug

"People will argue with you that getting what you want in life isn’t something you can learn, if you’re destined to be one of the worlds winners as opposed to one of its perpetual whiners, its because you have been born with the right talents and temperament and have a big dose of self-esteem, ambition, and good judgment." Kate White

nicekitty

LizardQueen

I posted once about my insurance co giving me the run around. They sent an approval letter and after the wls said they wouldn't be paying. I got sick at the thought of $38,000 in the hole! Well, got a call yesterday and they said they had made a misteake in approving my wls, but the mistake was their responsibility and that they would be covering everything! Whew!