Catch-22 with United Healthcare

[pghmommy 2]

I've have my first appointment with the bariatric surgeon next week, but am becoming worried that my insurance, United Healthcare, may not cover the operation. I was told by them on the phone that hyptertension counted as a comorbidity. However, after reading the lengthy policy statement, it seems to indicate that insurance is only covered if your high blood pressure is not well controlled by medication. Also, I'm at the low end of the BMI requirements. If I diet for six months, as required for the insurance, I risk falling below the required 35 BMI. This all seems counterintuitive. Has anyone had experience with these situations?

[GreenTealael 24,852]

Well...

you could *start* blood pressure meds and never take them this never controlling your hypertension. Then *begin* the supervised diet but make no effort to lose, only maintain to so you don't fall out of the BMI range...

Or walk the straight and narrow.

Whatever you choose...

Edited December 7, 2018 by GreenTealael

[notmyname 591]

On the weight - its worth checking. Often, the weight that matters is the one the first appointment with the surgeon, not the weight on the day of surgery. But every insurance co is different, so I'd check (and get it in writing, if possible).

Also talk to your surgeon about other potential commodities. Maybe the beginning of arthritis? sleep apnea (s/he'll likely order a sleep test), pre-diabetes, something else? I wouldn't start worrying until you meet with your doc.

My BMI was over 40, so I didn't have to worry about co morbidity, but my doc went through a LOT of questions to suss out if there were any.