I have a family member who is intrested in getting the band done. His BMI is a 55. Does anyone know if CIGNA (pos) covers the lapband?:

Hi Laura,

Lapband is not excluded on Cigna's policies, but qualifying for WLS at all with them can be a challenge. I do know of loads of people who have had Cigna pay for it, who were approved with varying degrees of ease.

I've had huge problems with Cigna...but totally agree with Alexandra's assessment -- they'll (usually) pay -- but not without a fight for a lot of us. Their official stand on my POP policy is they cover it if it's medically necessary. Their determination of what's medically necessary can be very "flexible" to their benefit, if you know what I mean.

Good luck to your family member.

Eli/zabeth

8/28/03

Thank You for your reply Elizabeth. I hope he gets this done. He really needs to.