My insurance experience is probably one of the best anyone could have. I will probably not work for this company through another year, so I'll end up having to pay for fills. At this point, they charge $600.00, UHC pays about $420.00 and I don't pay.

I believe that the reason they can offer this surgery for self pay for less than $10,000 is due to the amount they are paid by some insurance companies. I am happy to see people be able to get their band at a more affordable rate if this is the case.

My surgery was May 25th. They have finally finished paying it off. I was getting nervous about it, but the True Results center had quoted me $1300.00 for my share. That didn't cover the band or the anesthesiologist. It also didn't include the hernia repair, but they didn't charge me any extra. So, here is the breakdown:

Paid by UHC:

Surgery cost paid by insurance:

Facility: $23,063.03

Dr. Holden: $3,480

Anesthesiology:602.65

Lapband:272.00

Total: $27,417.68

Paid by me:

Due from patient: $3,312., 3,370.,68.00,612.35 (1980 paid by me.)

Charged by True Results, anesthesia and the medical supply company for the band:

Facility: $37,678.62

Dr. Holden: $17,000.00

Anesthesiology: $1,760.00

Lapband: $850.00

Total charged: $57,288.62

Total paid: $29,397.62

That is really good news. I have United Healthcare Choice Plus. It says UMR on my insurance card though. Anyhow, I think they have a great plan and I have always heard alot of good things about their plans and options. How did you get everything done so quickly? I saw your seminar date was a month before your surgery date, what were your requirements prior to surgery? No psych exam? Nutritionist? What did your doctor submit to insurance?

also, what type of policy did you have? PPO or H M O?

I didn't have any requirements other than BMI and co-morbidities. Those were already documented because they have been paying the charges for them. The clinic wanted to send info from my PCP, but I said submit it this way because I knew my requirements. They thought the five years of history was required of all plans. I have it, but I didn't want to wait to have it from two different docs.

I also called and asked them to read my policy requirements to me. I called back two or three times to make sure it didn't change. They all told me the same thing. Then, when it was submitted the clinic stated a quick date. They told me at UHC that they would handle it faster if they had to to get to the surgery date.

I have Choice Plus also through Target. It is the PPO. The UHC reps tell me this is the best plan they have ever seen.

Good luck, keep me informed.

wow that's great...i have BCBS IL and was denied but i'm considering getting on my husbands plan which is UHC. How many co morbitities do you have to have with UHC??