Cigna

Carrie_C · 03-18-2008, 11:23 PM

Hi everyone. I am in the process of getting the Lap Band approved through Cigna. I went for a surgical consult a few weeks ago. They told me that Cigna requires a 6 month physician supervised diet, I had done that already last year. They also told me that they require a letter of medical neccessity from my PCP, I have got that as well. I also have to attend a nutrition and psych evaluation. I have done the nutrition already and I go for the psych eval tomorrow. I am 30 years old, 5'6 and weigh 255 pounds. My BMI is 41. I also have diabetes as well as hypertension. I was just wondering how long it takes for Cigna to approve the surgery and if I am denied, how many times can I appeal? All of this insurance business is very confusing to me. I have already paid quite a bit for the consult and all the evaluations. If they deny me, I will be out all that money!

wryan1 · 03-19-2008, 01:23 AM

Hi Carrie! I was banded 1/28 and also have Cigna insurance. After I completed the six month MD weight loss attempt and submitted all the paperwork, I was approved within days. I have NO comorbidities. Also, I was reimbursed for a portion of the classes and psych consults. I hope that this helps and that your process goes quickly and easily. Good Luck to you!

Carrie_C · 03-19-2008, 10:33 AM

Wow, how did you get approved so fast?! That's great! The insurance cooridinator at the surgeons office said that it could take up to a month to hear back. I hope it doesn't take that long. That's great that they reimbursed you. Cigna did pay for some of the surgical consult, but I still had to pay $105. They haven't paid for the nutrition or psyc eval, I have had to pay $95 for those. And the insurance cooridinator told me that if my surgery is approved, I will have to pay $1000 one week before the surgery for some kind of "program fee". Sounds like a rip off to me, but I think it will be worth it in the end. Besides, I have spent a lot more than that on fad diets, which didn't work!

laurenwhite82 · 03-19-2008, 02:54 PM

Wow! I have Cigna and am having to pay close to $600 between the Psych and the Nutritionist because NYU requires those 2 items paid out of pocket. How did you go about getting partially refunded from your insurance company for those?? Im totally gonna try it!

asherje · 03-19-2008, 05:33 PM

Wow, sadly enough I actually consider all of that lucky in a way. I was approved by my doc to get the surgery and Cigna stated that my company’s coverage doesn’t cover any weight loss assistance. Now I'm trying to get financed for the $11,900 to get it done

Though I guess on the plus side once I get my financing in order I can have it done with in that same week. I hope that they get their S*** straight so you guys can get taken care of.

Carrie_C · 03-19-2008, 08:59 PM

$600??! WOW! I thought $95 was high! Cigna wouldn't pay anything for the evals for me either, but I am glad they covered some of the surgical consult or it would have cost me over $300. asherje, good luck with your financing. Unfortunately that's not an option for me because I filed Chapter 13 a few years back, and I can't get any credit for anything. So if Cigna doesn't pay, I am just out of luck. I had my psych eval today and I am sending in everything to Cigna tomorrow, so wish me luck!

lilbit08 · 09-06-2008, 12:42 PM

i was trying to get financed for the vsg procedure and had hell because i dont have any credit. let me know who helps u as i think i have tried all companies possible in america and was denied!

Carrie_C · 09-06-2008, 01:49 PM

My surgery was approved, and I had it done May 22. I didn't have any luck getting financing for the coinsurance because of my credit. So my husband and I decided to take out a credit card in his name (he has much better credit than me, and was approved for it with no problem). That could be an option for you, I don't know. I am still paying on it, but it is so worth it.

lilbit08 · 09-07-2008, 01:08 PM

well the problem for me getting financed is that my husband and i both dont have any credit and the credit that we do have is just not the best.....soooooo i was hoping that cigna would cover the procedure once the new hire 90 day probation is over.

slim-n-tn · 09-08-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilbit08

well the problem for me getting financed is that my husband and i both dont have any credit and the credit that we do have is just not the best.....soooooo i was hoping that cigna would cover the procedure once the new hire 90 day probation is over.

Have you tried CareCredit? I don't have the best credit, but they approved me. I just went to their website (carecrdit.com) and filled out the application. They also give a list of doctors that take it. Another thing you might look into is some of the lap band companies offer their own financing. I wish you the best of luck either way!