Question:
Does anyone have CIGNA HMO and was denied, then approved on 1st appeal?

I was recently WAS denied by CIGNA THE FIRST TIME ROUND. I HAVE PUT TOGETHER A GREAT APPEAL LETTER AND SENT IT OFF ABOUT A WEEK AGO. I WAS JUST CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD EXPECT. HAS ANYONE BEEN APPROVED THROUGH CIGNA AFTER SENDING THEM THEIR FIRST APPEAL? I CANT BELIEVE THEY DENIED ME, BUT I KINDA FIGURED THEY WOULD AFTER ALL THE HORROR STORIES I'VE HEARD. I CANT GO ON LIVING LIKE THIS ANYMORE. IM 25, HAVE TO TAKE VIOXX AND WALK WITH A CANE.....I HATE DRUNK DRIVERS!!!    — Karen W. (posted on November 4, 2002)

November 4, 2002
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I thought I would share. I had to fight Cigna HMO for 13 months. 2 appeals and then a committee review done by telephone. I had the most awesome package of information you could imagine. 6 small binders with everything tabbed, outlined and formatted perfectly. It was totally worth the wait and fight but please be patient and persistant. I'm beginning my fight for my reconstructive surgeries now so hence the beginning of the new round of games. I really wish you the best of luck -- don't give up... (Open RNY 03/05/02 -98 pounds)
   — lilmskitty

November 5, 2002
I had to fight cigna for 8 months, got my employer involved before I was approved. With my experiance, Cigna took the full 30 days for the appeal before I heard anything. If you want to email me, I will be glad to help... Good luck.
   — Debbie W.