Question:
I am 17 and just got denied approval for the gastric bypass.
I was just wondering if there were any other younger people on here post-op or going through the same thing. I have Cigna PPO, and I was wondering if they were a bad insurence company. — Simone F. (posted on July 2, 2003)
July 2, 2003
I believe it is standard to have an age limit of 18. Did they say
specifically why you were denied? If it is just your age, that will change
eventually! If its not your age, maybe you can find a way to fix or debate
their issue. Good luck.
— bethybb
July 3, 2003
In my opinion yes, Cigna is a horrible insurance company when it came to my
request for open rny. I just found out today they denied me because I
haven't had a 6 month supervised diet by a physician. This is after they
denied receiving my info for the past 2 months. I am looking into switching
insurance companies now. Get this, I asked them how can anyone be on
supervised diet with a doctor when Cigna won't cover any weightloss
treatment whatsoever? It get's very costly. I was told that is what is
required and without it, it won't get approved. They suck so bad and the
people I talked to today are total idiots and didn't know how to respond to
my questions and kept talking in circles.
I think they will find excuse after excuse to deny this surgery.
— Sherri M.
July 3, 2003
My experience with Cigna PPO was excellent. They approved me in less than
two days. I would imagine that your age is the primary factor that is
resulting in your being denied.
— BethVBG
July 3, 2003
Welcome to the club Simone. Sucks to be here, doesnt it!! I'm 18 and have
been fighting my insurance for nearly 2 years. I exhausted all of my
appeals and there is no hope of them approving me. I'm now seeking
individual insurance but, of course, running into lots of hurdles, but I'm
doing my best to tackle them. If you ever want to talk, let me know! I wish
you the best.
— amie
July 4, 2003
Cigna may tell you that it's your age, but as the other poster stated..
that will change...My personal opinion is that your age has nothing to do
with it.. Cigna HMO blanketly denies everyone.. They love to stall.. here's
my advise to you... take this time to get all your ducks in a row.. do your
diet history.. and have it all documented...if you have to wait 6 months or
so.. don't worry, I have been fighting these a**holes for over 9 months
now.. and I have everything they wanted..I don't think they even read a
thing before they deny..it comes across their desk..stamp DENY on it.. and
get the next one..so no, I don't think it's just an issue of your age...
that's just how CIGNA works..Girlie was lucky that she had no issues
getting approved..but it's not that way for the other 99.9% of us....I
happen to live in Duluth, feel free to email me anytime... I can try to
give you some pointers... What Doc are you trying to use?? What was the
basis of your denial?
— chris S.
July 6, 2003
Hey there Simone. I share your frustration. I fought with my insurance
for 2 years before they approved it. Read through my profile. I was 17
when I had the surgery, almost a year ago, so there is hope. My insurance
was a big pain in the a$$, but I never gave up. I ended up writing a 6
page letter that covered everything from my weight battles, diet history,
self-description, pictures, goals for life, my job, my co-morbs, reasons it
would cost the company to NOT cover my insurance, etc. In the end, I ended
it with saying that I would continue to appeal because I know that the
surgery is right for me. Don't be lazy about appeals. If you truly want
it that badly, you will be willing to work your butt off for it. Trust me,
this surgery is not a problem solver for any issues you have with yourself.
Work those out before you have the surgery. Jump through their hoops. I
had to have all sorts of tests, etc. But in the end, I got it. So don't
lose hope. Appeal!
— JJ L.
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