Aetna is stopping surgery as of August 1st... - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

CollegeJoe · 07-26-2005, 11:25 PM

I'm under my mother's Aetna POS( piece of Sh!t) and apparently aetna is cutting off all bariatric surgeries...What can i do now?

Bypassingme619 · 07-26-2005, 11:29 PM

I am sorry to hear this. My cousin works for Aetna and she said it was coming. Have you already started your process for weight loss surgery with Aetna? If so maybe you will fall under the old policy because your process started before the new one went into effect. I wish I couldhelp more. I am sure someone else might have better advice then me but I will pray for you. I know this has to be so discouraging for you. Keep fighting.

CollegeJoe · 07-26-2005, 11:32 PM

Hey, sorry i never introduced myself. I'm Joe, 19, and am going to a seminar tomorrow and setting up for a consultation this week...I dont know what to do. Isn't there some doctors who do it for free depending on ur bmi or something. I hate aetna...hate it hate it hate it...

Mavisavis · 07-27-2005, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bypassingme619

I am sorry to hear this. My cousin works for Aetna and she said it was coming. Have you already started your process for weight loss surgery with Aetna? If so maybe you will fall under the old policy because your process started before the new one went into effect. I wish I couldhelp more. I am sure someone else might have better advice then me but I will pray for you. I know this has to be so discouraging for you. Keep fighting.

Oh wow.......a friend of mine just started a new job to get Aetna insurance to try and get surgery.

Do you know if this is all types of Aetna, or just certain ones? Another friend of mine with it just sent for approval. I sure hope it doesn't affect her. Sheesh......thank God for BC/BS. I will NEVER complain about any of their co-pays or anything again!!

Marty

bridgetgirl · 07-27-2005, 10:27 AM

Well Joe, hmmmm when is your mom's open enrollment period through her insurance? Perhaps you could switch to Kaiser or something? Just a thought... welcome to the bored. So Aetna is selling out.. thanks for the heads up!

Bypassingme619 · 07-27-2005, 11:30 AM

Marty I am not for sure if it is Aetna as an whole is pulling the plug on WLS because I know there are different sections to Aetna. Calling your insurance company and asking when that new poilcy will go into affect and get a copy of it sent to you.

Cinerbelle · 07-28-2005, 11:12 PM

Has anyone heard anything else on this Aetna issue??? I have Aetna and now I am freaking out!! I just emailed their customer care asking if this is true. I will let you all know what I hear.

eyesthatkissu · 07-28-2005, 11:39 PM

My friend Connie is in the middle of her Aetna required class for GB. I told her what I had read here about them stopping coverage. She called them this morning and was told it was NOT an Atena issue. It was an issue specific to EMPLOYERS. She is still covered because her employer still allows for the surgery. She also was told that if you are already mid-process, it will be completed. I think your best bet is to contact Aetna and see what your coverage is specifically.

Mavisavis · 07-29-2005, 08:19 AM

Thanks guys.......my friend is waiting for approval. I did not tell her about this yet so as not to set in panic unnecessarily. I did tell the friend who is busting her booty at an extra job to get Aetna and she's going to try and find out.

Marty

Cinerbelle · 07-29-2005, 10:44 AM

GREAT NEWS FOR ME!! Hopefully for your friends also.... I just spoke with Aetna and if you are in CA. and are with Aetna HMO then it is state mandated for the surgery to be covered. WHOOOO HOOOOOO, I didn't sleep at all last night worrying about this.