CIGNA APPROVED ME!

[Sydney Lynn Pinckley 20]

Everything was sent in to Cigna on December 24th! Christmas Eve and then just found out today that Cigna Approved it December 27th!!

Wow I can't believe it got approved that fast! I'm so excited!!

[SLK248 5]

Congratulations! Such exciting news. I just changed to Cigna coverage on January 1, and I am still gathering the needed paperwork/clearances. What sort of documentation of a 3 month supervised diet did you submit? Would b helpful to know what worked! Thanks!

[Luckyinluv 30]

Wow!! That's fast!! I also have Cigna the open acess plan. I have met 5 of the medical needs but not the 3 months dr. Nutrician guidance. So excited to get this going!!

[sleevedinseattle 3]

I had Cigna, and they paid for my sleeve last May. I had to meet with my surgeon, or nutritionist, or doctor once a month for 6 months. I had a sleep apnea test, and meet with the psychologist, and that was it. It took 2-3 weeks to get approved. They tried to deny me at first, and then I was approved by the appeal department. I heard that was common with Cigna.

[Mr.sleeve 13]

Cigna approved me also, 3 months with a nut, denied 1st time, paperwork issues. Dr. called cigna and everything is set for 2/25. My Dr. office said they are a pain in Azz to work with.

I was denied for insure nutrition, Protein drinks, scar cream, and Vitamins, I tried.

Edited February 21, 2014 by Mr.sleeve

[Ready2Live76 14]

SLK248 I have Cigna and luckily for me I worked with a surgery group that has patient advocates. Their sole responisibility is to assist with whatever each individual's insurance companies requirements are and keep track of what you have.

For my Cigna plan, I needed 90 consecutuive days of a monitored nutritional regimen. The surgery group has these classes that that each insurance company has. I attended once per month and classes were lead by a nut. I completed my final class on 1/30. I have been approved as of 2/14 (HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ME!!!). It woexxcept it sat on someone's desk for a week and a half w/o any movement.

Don't feel pressured to "lose weight" in the 90 days. I actually gained weight. That timeframe is more for you to learn about what the lifestyle changes are going to be after your surgery. The preop diet is also not about losing weight, but more about cleansing your liver. You cannot have a fatty liver going into surgery. Therefore if you can began to try to implement a few lifestyle changes now, it will assist you going forward.

Now I am not saying do what I did. I should have been more disciplined during that time, but I am on track now. I am on my pre-op diet 1/30. I have lost 11lbs. I do not have my surgery date yet, but I should know by the end of the week.

Good luck.

[juliansmommy 67]

I was cleared by my surgeon on jan 9... Paper work was sent to Cigna on and received 1/29... Went in review on 2/4... My surgeon scheduled my date for 2/25.... Which is Tuesday... As of this morning still in review. Spoke to a wonderful supervisor this morning who was taking my case up to the nurses herself. Hope to hear this afternoon! I took off work, hubby child care taken care of , my mom is helping me as well. Fingers crossed. All my criteria has been met... I've been told several times that it takes up to 30 working business days.

I'm a mess right now. Please say a positive thought for me!! Thanks. Colette

[LindsayLouLou 3]

I have Cigna Open Access Plus. My BMI is 41. The surgeons office is contacting my insurance co to see what portion, if any, they will cover. What all does Cigna require?? If they won't pay, how do you finance??

[Luckyinluv 30]

I have Cigna Open Access Plus. My BMI is 41. The surgeons office is contacting my insurance co to see what portion, if any, they will cover. What all does Cigna require?? If they won't pay, how do you finance??

Cigna OAP will cover is medical needs are met. If BMI is over 35 with two co morbities and 3 months weight checks. I am doing my last one today but it has to be 3 months or 90 days. That takes me to April 14 so hopefully may will be surgery month! Goody I

[LindsayLouLou 3]

I only have 1 comorbidity, but my BMI is 41...

[Luckyinluv 30]

I don't think u will have a hard time getting approved. I have even called insurance twice to just make sure all is correct and I think BMI Over 40 is a magic number

[LindsayLouLou 3]

So bummed out. I was notified that my plan excludes ALL weight loss surgery. "Regardless of medical necessity." I'm not sure what I'm going to do! The surgeon charges right under $9,000. My credit is 620. What bank is going to make a loan like that with no leverage?! Do banks consider medical loans different from private loans? Do they pay the hospital/surgeon directly?? I've never gotten a clear answer.

[Luckyinluv 30]

Oh I am so sorry! I don't know much about medic loans other than that I hear they cost way too much. Can you ask your employer to ask weightloss surgery to the plan? I have also heard of company's doing that. It's just not right. With Cigna OAP I guess I thought they had same coverage?

[LindsayLouLou 3]

When I called Cigna today, they informed me that there are different "versions" of their OAP plan.... It all depends on what the employer purchases. And, no, my work won't add wls to their plan. I'm really devastated. I was SO excited. Thanks though!

[Luckyinluv 30]

LindseyLouLou just wondering if you found a way to have the surgery? Been thinking of you!