Healthcare merger - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Baron Patrick · 07-06-2005, 03:53 PM

Hey Friends;

I just read that UnitedHealth is buying out Pacificare. I don't know what ramifications this will have in regards to wls, but thought those of you with either of these would be interested.

Here is the link to the story:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050706/...lth_pacificare

VanessaSFL · 07-06-2005, 04:03 PM

Hi Baron,I have united health care and had no problems.In fact i never even spoke to them.My dr.office did evrything.Approved in less than 4 days.I started at 267...sleep apena and BP problems.
Now I am at 192 no bp meds and no C-pap(thank God)13 weeks post op.
I have kept on your posts ,,I hope this merger helps you.

Take Care,Van

VanessaSFL · 07-06-2005, 04:05 PM

I did not even have a referal...I just went to the surgen to see if he thought I was a good candidate.He said yes and told me what tests i needed done.Did them over a six month period and then was given a date of March 21 '05....It went to smooth It was crazy.

Good Luck Friend!

Baron Patrick · 07-06-2005, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanessaSFL

Hi Baron,I have united health care and had no problems.In fact i never even spoke to them.My dr.office did evrything.Approved in less than 4 days.I started at 267...sleep apena and BP problems.
Now I am at 192 no bp meds and no C-pap(thank God)13 weeks post op.
I have kept on your posts ,,I hope this merger helps you.

Take Care,Van

Hi Vanessa;

I'm very glad to hear your doing so well! That is sooooo cool!

Unfortunately, I have Cigna, who told me it has since been excluded from coverage.

I'm waiting for open enrollment so I can change to Kaiser who DOES cover the surgery.

In the mean time, I'll play the game and go to the gym (which is good for me anyway) and get on a "medically supervised" diet to prove to them this $@!# doesn't work! I figure six months of documentation should do the trick.

VanessaSFL · 07-06-2005, 04:32 PM

Sorry Baron...I misunderstood.Thought you were saying you were going with the merge and obtaining UHC.I am still excited for you.Keep us all posted I am sure you will.

Take Care,Van

Blueyz · 07-06-2005, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baron Patrick

Hi Vanessa;

I'm very glad to hear your doing so well! That is sooooo cool!

Unfortunately, I have Cigna, who told me it has since been excluded from coverage.

I'm waiting for open enrollment so I can change to Kaiser who DOES cover the surgery.

In the mean time, I'll play the game and go to the gym (which is good for me anyway) and get on a "medically supervised" diet to prove to them this $@!# doesn't work! I figure six months of documentation should do the trick.

6 months will go by pretty quick and you will be having your special day soon.
My sister had to wait 6 months and we both sighed, but August 1st, she will be wheeled into the operating room. I am so excited for her.

CiCi · 07-07-2005, 07:37 AM

Maybe this will be your break, Baron! I have UHC and they approved me in a month. Of course, I believe the company you work for sets some limitations on your insurance as far as what can and cannot be approved, but maybe this will be a positive change!

Good luck!

Traci

CiCi · 07-07-2005, 07:38 AM

Whoops, missed all the threads. Hope it all works out with the insurance somehow!

Traci

suzshark · 07-07-2005, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baron Patrick

Hi Vanessa;

Unfortunately, I have Cigna, who told me it has since been excluded from coverage.

I'm waiting for open enrollment so I can change to Kaiser who DOES cover the surgery.

Our company was recently acquired by GE and our ONLY insurance choice now is Cigna (EPO or PPO). Luckily, I had my surgery 1/4/05 under Blue Cross of CA and they paid for EVERYTHING. Cigna won't even pay for my follow-up care. And I was supposed to go for my 6 month checkup this week. Guess I will have to trust I'm ok or pay for it myself!

Some a$$holes just don't know what they are doing when they specifically EXCLUDE anything weight related. They are killing us!

Baron Patrick · 07-07-2005, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzshark

Our company was recently acquired by GE and our ONLY insurance choice now is Cigna (EPO or PPO). Luckily, I had my surgery 1/4/05 under Blue Cross of CA and they paid for EVERYTHING. Cigna won't even pay for my follow-up care. And I was supposed to go for my 6 month checkup this week. Guess I will have to trust I'm ok or pay for it myself!

Some a$$holes just don't know what they are doing when they specifically EXCLUDE anything weight related. They are killing us!

Not even post-op care? I think I'd be looking for an attorney! I don't think they can do that - it doesn't make any sense. That is just WAY out of line.