Aetna Open Access Select through HCA? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

jenny003 · 03-12-2010, 07:02 PM

does anyone know about this insurance coverage as an HCA employee? Where you approved? how quick was the process?

Ibelong2God2 · 03-12-2010, 07:24 PM

I currently have Aetna through state employment. The process of getting approval was really quick. After you meet all their requirements. My Dr's office sent forms to Aetna on a Monday and Thursday Morning nurse called to say I was approved. Aetna are however a stickler for doing everything by the book. You have to make sure you - lose some weight prior to surgery, do you psych, nutritionist meetings, support sessions, post op support meeting, etc. But I was told as long as you do all that they require (Aetna) most time they approve. This process took me about seven months. But the good thing is this is a decision that a person does not rush into. I had the opportunity to do my homework and really think about it, prior to my WLS. I believe the main reason for all the extensive testing is to make sure this is something you really want.

Good Luck and hope helps!

jenny003 · 03-12-2010, 07:35 PM

thank you so much! that does help, yeah its been a year since I started into the process of this, first Ive been documenting with my PCP for the past 5 years, with health issues and weight lose attempts, then I finally got the support and referral from my PCP to go over to the bariatric surgeon. First I did the seminar, then I did the pysch evaluation, now I am in my second month of my three month multidisciplinary program through the Centennial bariatric program. And every month I do a support group meeting too. Ive lost 10 pounds from the PCP visits to the program, and now Ive lost 5 more pounds. So Im really hoping that all goes well for me too with insurance!

Ibelong2God2 · 03-12-2010, 07:45 PM

It sounds to me like your well on your way to becoming a loser!! Congrats!! Its a long process, but I am sure it will all work out for you, I wish you the best of luck and please keep us informed. As far as the weight, I only lost 9 pounds and they approved me, so I think you will be okay. I am working now on losing more prior to my surgery. I don't want to take any chance, so I definitely want to drop another 10 pounds by April.

Psimer · 03-13-2010, 12:36 PM

I have their EPO plan which is also an open access. I don't foresee any problems at this time. I have done everything that they have asked for. I am at the end of my first month of the three month supervised diet. It's been easy because I started back in October and I am closing in on 50 lbs. I don't see why they would reject me. I am expecting to have surgery in June.

Ibelong2God2 · 03-13-2010, 01:09 PM

Yeah, the are pretty laid back, I believe you will be fine, Congrats!!

dantenh · 03-13-2010, 02:00 PM

I'm not an expert at the different types of Aetna insurance, but I have Aetna Global and I had no problems getting approved. I had to fulfill a 6 month supervised diet through a PCP, then get a psych consultation, and I think that was more or less it. I had a great experience with Aetna, and met all my deductable the week before the surgery, so there were no fee's at my surgeons office to pay. Once again, yours may be different then mine, but Aetna as a whole doesn't seem too bad.