Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Cigna... Denial question



Recommended Posts

Hello all,

I'm still trying to get a straight answer from Cigna, and my doctor's office has been wonderful in assisting me....

Last week I got a letter requesting more medical info for my VSG procedure. The doctor promptly replied.

Today I get a denial letter. Actually, it reads "The employee must have 2 years of continuous service with the company for coverage to be available"

I've been with my company 25 years, Cigna only since 01/2015.…...I'm trying to find out what "2 years of service" they mean.... With my company or with Cigna.

Very ambiguous.

If they mean with Cigna, what are the odds they'd "bend the rules" 4 months early? I was scheduled for mid August surgery.

Thanks!

Sent from my SM-T710 using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would guess you qualify. If employer is paying for the coverage it would sound like you qualify. See if a letter from HR would resolve the matter.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You are not an employee of Cigna - so I assume they mean your employer. I would call Cigna and explain you have worked for same company for 25 years. Don't let them get away with this BS.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm currently fighting a smaller denial with CIGNA. They are trying to charge me $78 for the initial welcome group meeting for the Bariatric Program, saying that it was not a direct one-on-one appointment with a doctor. I've asked the clinic for a recode, and discovered that I can have CIGNA send it for a recode / review if the clinic doesn't change the coding. If neither of those work, I've prepared a 20 page packet for my appeal of the denial. Includes the paperwork from the clinic, my doctor's referral to the program etc.

Good luck in getting yours cleared up! I WAS able to confirm that the surgery itself IS covered under my policy, so hopefully when I'm finished with all my appointments (by October 8th) they will approve the procedure for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The plot thickens.... my wife looked at my employers coverage paperwork, and Cigna is the administrator. My employer, a very large company, self insures.

According to all of the documents, i should qualify without a doubt.

Just more hoops to jump through lol

Sent from my SM-J700T1 using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My insurance took three weeks to approve. Best of luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had issues with Cigna as well, I believe they do all they can not to pay. Stay on them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had issues with Cigna as well, I believe they do all they can not to pay. Stay on them.

Wondered if you would mind sharing your experience with Cigna? Of course, they are my insurers as well... Any insight helps.

Sent from Dee~Dee via BariatricPal

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was just approved by Cigna and I was shocked. I know they usually deny everyone but they approved me in 5 days. I have sleep apnea and SVT(increased heart rate)that I take mess forso I knew they were going to say I didn't have 2 co morbidities plus my BMI was 38... I was scared to even try but it worked thank God.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I also had Cigna, but I was approved in less than a week...they only required a three month diet ahead of time.

Sent from my SM-G925V using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • BeanitoDiego

      Still purging all of the larger clothing. This morning, a shirt that I ADORED wearing ended up on top. Hard to let it go, but it was also hard to let go of those habits that also no longer serve my highest good. Onward and upward!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Onedayatatime365

      Looking to connect with others who are also on the journey of better health. Post-Op Gastric Sleeve (4/11/24).
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • jparadigm

      Happy Wednesday!
       
      I hope everyone is having a lovely week so far! 
      It's been a bit of a struggle this last week...I'm hungry ALL the time.
      · 1 reply
      1. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Have a great Wednesday too! Sorry you're hungry all the time, I'm pretty much the same..and I'm sick of eating the same food all the time.

    • ChunkCat

      Well, tomorrow I go in for an impromptu hiatal hernia repair after ending up in the ER over the weekend because I couldn't get food down and water was moving at a trickle... I've been having these symptoms on and off for a few weeks but Sunday was the worst by far and came with chest pain and trouble breathing. The ER PA thinks it is just esophagitis and that the surgeon and radiologist are wrong. But the bariatric surgeon swears it is a hernia, possibly a sliding one based on my symptoms. So he fit me into his schedule this week to repair it! I hope he's right and this sorts it out. He's going to do a scope afterwards to be sure there is nothing wrong with the esophagus. Here's hoping it all goes well!!
      · 3 replies
      1. AmberFL

        omgsh!! Hope all goes well!! Keeping you in my thoughts!

      2. gracesmommy2

        Hope you’re doing well!

      3. NickelChip

        I hope it goes well! Sending positive thoughts for a speedy recovery!

    • jparadigm

      Hello lovlies!
      Today is a beautiful day in west Michigan! I hope you all have a beautiful Tuesday and rest of your week!! 🤗
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×