There are many ways patients cover the cost of their surgery. Some have insurance benefits that cover weight loss surgery, while others pay out of pocket. There may also be other resources available to you such as government or federal programs or agencies that may be able to assist you. Read some our patient's comments about how they obtained their surgery. PLEASE NOTE: These are comments posted by the public. We do not endorse or recommend any of the companies or agencies below.

AETNA - HMO (TX) - 04/01/00
I NEVER HAD TO DEAL WITH THEM MY DR OFFICE TOOK CARE OF EVERTHING .... DR.RICHARD TILLQUIST ENGLEWOOD CO ........ (DONNA M.)

Aetna (CO) - 02/02/01
Aetna was terrific and so quick! Of course I did a lot of prep work before I went to even see my surgeon. I put together a comprehensive history with all of the weight reduction efforts and comorbity informaiton. The surgeon sent this to Aetna along with their forms and this helped to get it done quicker. (Debbie G.)

Aetna - HMO (CO) - 06/30/01
I have heard that typically Aetna doesn't approve the first time the request was submitted. I don't know if it was due to my size or what, but my operation will be 100% paid for and I was approved the first time. (Suzanne C.)

Aetna - Qpos (CO) - 07/08/01
(Carl R.)

Aetna - HMO (CO) - 12/03/02
I was pleasantly surprized, no problems at all. It seems that Aetna goes strictly on the BMI, if you're over 40 you are approved. My only complaint was that Dr. Tillquist staff did'nt send my papers in because they had other surgeries that were ahead of mine. I understand that is what they needed to do, but the waiting was killing me. (Vicki M.)

Aetna - US Healthcare (WY) - 10/15/01
After the intial frustration of working with AETNA and being denied. I've been what seems to be in the very capable hands of two nurses for precertification on the second go around. They have been very upfront and informative what is required and how I can meet those requirements. Today I faxed over what I hope will be the final piece of the puzzle...I have been very persistant but also very nice when talking with them. (Cindy P.)

Aetna - EPO (CO) - 01/07/02
Insurance company was great. The only challenge I had was getting the surgeon's office to send in the paperwork. This took them over a month. It only took the insurance company a week to approve it. (Denice L.)

Aetna - Standard (IN) - 09/20/04
Aetna is particular in that you MUST meet their requirements but, I did the 3 month pre surgical prep regimen and I was approved within 2 days. I have to say I am impressed. (amy a.)

Aetna - HMO (CO) - 05/19/02
(Deb A.)

AETNA (CO) - 05/31/02
(DENISE Y.)

Aetna (CO) - 07/09/02
Dealing with Aetna HMO was very positive. They approved me to have the surgery within one week. I was lucky though, as they required that I had to be on a medically supervised program within the year prior to asking for the surgery... lucky for me I had been. I was able to provide the doctor's records, and was approved immediately. It's important to note, that had I not been in a physician supervised program, I would not have been approved. Also, when I called to initially inquire on their coverage policy for this surgery, they neglected to tell me that this was their policy, so I feel I was pretty lucky. (Connie D.)

Aetna - EPO (CO) - 07/21/02
(Lynn F.)

Aetna - epo () - 6-30-02
They were a breeze to deal with, however they want one other piece of documentation to satisfy my diet histoy ( .)

Aetna - US Healthcare thru UPS (CO) - 09/10/2003
Well its 8 days away for the big day but guess what still do not have approval the wanted more wl atemps medically suprevised well I was on meds thru my dr for 3 1/2 years till 6/00 and the want more then 6 months and they dont go back more then 2 years.... then they have came back and the first person has said that they couldn't make the decision so they had to send it up to someone hire.. so maybe by my date I will know.. 12/02/02 nope as you know it didn't go still waiting for and answer should hear something in the next few weeks. 09/12/2003 well Aetna came thru almost a year later but it finally did it has beed hard to deal with but I've made it I'm glade finally , all I can say is check with them see exactly what you have to do and do it, they stand to there criteria strong. Thank you to natalie and Patty at Aetna for making the papers get to where they need to. (DENISE Y.)

Aetna - PPO (CO) - 06/04/2004
I followed Aetna's guidelines that they have posted on their website and everything was sent through Dr. Tillquist's office. I got approved 48 hours after submitting the paperwork. (Kelli P.)

Aetna - PPO (CO) - 10/02
Aetna was awful and although I was 346 pounds at that time they claimed I was not morbidly obese! They took there sweet time and did not seem concerned at all! I recommend that anyone dealing with them to provide as much medical history and emotional history as possible I also recommend staying on top of them and don't take no for an answer... I ended up being approved by Cigna because I changed jobs and insurance companies. (Renee W.)

aetna - kathleen silvestri (CO) - 04/08/05
(kathleen s.)

Aetna (CO) - 10/28/05
(Rhonda D.)

Aetna (CO) - March 2006
The surgeon's office dealt with the insurance company. I didn't have to do anything but wait for the call and get the letter in the mail. Eileen from Dr. Tillquist's office did put the pressure on them when they didn't respond after the first week. (christine s.)

Aetna - HMO (TX)
I made sure that I knew everything that the insurance company needed before submitting my request. It took me about 6 months to gather my medical history, weight history, take a nutrition class for bariatric patients, see a nutritionist one on one, and document 3 visits (1 per month) with my regular doctor discussing my weight and what I was doing to try to lose weight on my own. (Amy H.)

Aetna - POS II (CO)
(Michelle E.)

Aetna HMO (CO) - 1/24/01
1/21/01 still waiting for approval-but Dr. Tillquist's office has not sent insurance papers yet-there are patient's ahead of me. 1/24/02 They approved me in 3 days-I never had to call them Eileen took care of everything. I am very pleased with Dr. Tillquist's office staff. (Jamie H.)

AETNA thru Alliance - standard CHIP (CO) - 03/04/01
aetna was great! i would highly recommend them. my surgeons office did all the work, and i never had to call aetna because of problems because there weren't any! (KERI L.)

Aetna US Healthcare POS - POS (CO) - 01/24/01
I was very apprehensive about trying for approval again. At my last job I had a PPO and tried getting approved for over a year. WLS was excluded so I never had a chance. The first thing I noticed with my new job was that Aetna did not excluded it in their plan – and it was not excluded in my employer’s plan. I have a only been with Aetna since Oct 1, and I got approved after only 4 months with them. Originally Dr. Tillquist office sent my paperwork in on 12/13/00 – every time I called my case was still in review. Then all of the sudden when I followed up around 1/3/01, they claimed they were still waiting for the paperwork from my Dr. office. I guess they lost my file. I had to have Ilene in Dr. Tillquist’s office refax again and we started from scratch on 1/4/01. I was pretty sure that was a bad sign. I was so anxious I was calling almost everyday. They gave me the run around a little bit, but I’m sure some of it was them getting tired of m calling so much. Finally, about a week and a half later, I wrote a letter myself. I have to admit – it was a fantastic letter. If anyone needs a letter to use for follow up like I did or even for appealing a denial, let me know. I’ll send this to you in a heartbeat. I sent that letter on 1/12 and today (1/24) I was approved. Dr. Tillquist office was very patient with me. All in all, if we just look at the Jan day Aetna claims they got the first ppwork, it only took about 3 weeks to get approved. Even if we were considering it from the first day my Dr.’s office actually did send in paperwork, it was only about 7 weeks. (Kenya J.)

Anthem - BluePreferred Plan (CO) - 04/18/03
(Deirdre M.)

Anthem (Blue Cross Blue Shield) - PPO (CO) - 07/11/02
I must say that I was a little nervous because I don't have a lot of the major co-morbidities that insurance companies look for but I can't complain. It took them only 3 days to make the final decision after everything was finally submitted. They do require a psych evaluation though, a new addition for qualifying for this particular surgery from what I understand. Also, one thing that is in their exclusions, they don't pay for the first consultation with the surgeon (which I don't understand). I just got the bill for it, $348! OUCH! Anyway, I guess I can handle that considering the tab they DID agree to pick up can cost in upwards of $20,000 and up. That's what I hear anyway. 7/20/02 I called my insurance company and told them that I had received the bill from the first consultation and I didn't understand why it wasn't covered since I had been approved for the surgery. She got my number and said that she would call me back after she found out for sure. When she called me back she apologized and said that she would resubmit it and it should be taken care of! YIPPEE! (Laurel C.)

Anthem BCBS - Bluepreferred (CO) - 12/20/02
WOW, it was so much better than I anticipated. I was so worried for so long, as I was waiting for my surgeon's office to submit the paperwork. Dr. T's office (Eileen) had everything she needed, and said it was very helpful for me to have gotten all the med records to her so early. She said she definately had more than she needed, but it made it possible to pick out the best stuff to send for the strongest case. I was approved within 3 days after the first request was made. Yeah! Great insurance company for this procedure apparently. Very forward thinking, I am pleased! (Nicole L.)

Anthem Blue Cross - centura health + (CO) - 07/05/01
I thought okay, but I just got a letter from them stating that they would only approve 1 hospital day. Also they denied my initial visit with Dr Tillquist stating it was not medically necessary to do that. I do not understand that reasoning since they approved the surgery, and you have to see the dr to have the surgery done. Am in process of talking with them so not sure what the outcome will be. I hope they respond th persistence.. (Lana H.)

Anthem Blue Cross - EPO (CO) - 02/08/04
(Denise S.)

Anthem Blue Cross (CO) - 02/18/04
(Lindsey K.)

Anthem Blue Cross - Emily Deppe (CO) - 05/28/05
(Emily D.)

Anthem Blue Cross HMO - HMO (CO) - 12/27/02
It took about 2 weeks to get approval. They had requested additional paperwork once from my surgeons office, but after that it only took a couple of days. I called them frequently to see what status it was in, and they were very kind. The only problem I am having is getting them to pay for some initial bloodwork that my primary doctor ordered, they say they don't cover anything related to obesity. You do have to have a psych eval. Just need to make sure all your paperwork is ready way ahead of time, so you don't have problems later. (Sandy H.)

Anthem BlueShield/Blue Cross - PPO (CO) - 10/16/01
The office staff handled most/actually all of the dealings The person who answered the phone said they could not find the request, causing the Doctors office to re-fax. They ended up with two copies. They knew the urgency. I needed approval with in two weeks. (Tami (Brown) F.)

Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield Colorado - Blue Advantage/HMO Colorado (TX) - 06/04/02

3/20/02 - Called their general customer service number in Denver and tried use the information here to find out if specific procedures are covered, if the surgery in general is in my contract, etc. They told me that only the authorization group would have that information and that only my doctors could call them to find out. In other words, I won't know at all until after they receive my packet from the surgeon.

4/9/02 - Surprisingly, they approved my surgeon consult under the diagnosis code of morbid obesity (278.01). This may be a good sign.

6/4/02 - Paperwork was not submitted until late May. It only took about a week or so to be reviewed and approved!

9/9/02 - I was able to check online and found out that my hospital stay, pre-op tests, and surgeon were finally paid in full. I had to call twice to force them to review my pre-op test charges that obviously the computer kicked out automatically if they are not pre-authorized for MO. For some strange reason the hospital also refunded the in-hospital deductible ($100) that I had already paid. Overall this was a great experience and definitely saved me alot of money. My out-of-pocket cost including the original surgeon consult was $15! 11/01/02 - *WARNING* Even though BCBC Blue Advantage/HMO Colorado was a great insurance for me and paid for all of my surgery, as of 01/01/2003 they will no longer be offered in Colorado. Research other insurance carriers in Colorado if you need to have this surgery. Good luck! (Gina G.)

Benesight & UH - 3rd prty to UH/was UH choice (CO) - 6/5/02, 7/11/02, 2/25/03,4/11/03
So far it's been a half and half thing. Some CSR's seem to know a lot and others seem like they are brain dead. The helpful ones have told me what to have the Dr. say in the predetermination letter. I have sent that off and am not waiting. I have a writen exclusion in my policy however I am going to hire an attorney if I do not get approved. See my profile for more info on that. :-) I am very hopeful! ~~~~~~~` 7/11/02 I just called today and they have yet to review my predetermination letter I sent 5 whole weeks ago. I started crying on the phone. I called my Dr, Dr. A, and left a message asking her to call the insurance company to see what was going on with the determination letter. Please cross your fingers for me. Please!!! ~~~~~~~~~~ 2/15/03 I called Benesight and they do cover the surgery. I am sooooo excited!! I get to schedule the surgery next week! ~~~~~~~~~~ 4/16/03 I finally found out that I was approved on 4/11. The request for the surgery was sent on 3/17. So it almost took one month but I am approved. So far I have only had to pay $68!!! (Shelly D.)

Blue Cross (CO) - 3/23/01
(Sarah O.)

BLUE CROSS - Blue Advantage (CO) - 10-18-02
BC/BS Blue Advantage has been wonderful. It only took 48hrs to get approval for surgery. All the customer service reps are very friendly & are so willing to help with all for your questions. I would highly recommend this ins. company to all!!!!!! (Amy M.)

Blue Cross - PPO (CO) - 7-19-03
I did not have to speak with my insurance company at all. The office submitted the request for surgery on a Thursday, and they responded with approval by the following Tuesday. I recommend calling your insurance at the beginning of your journey, asking if they cover the surgery and for a list of their requirements for eligibility. This way you can do your "homework" of what they need i.e; 6 months documentation of medically supervised weight loss. (Michele B.)

BLUE CROSS - ANTHEM (CO) - 02/03/03
(PHYLLIS G.)

Blue Cross - HMO (CO) - 04/10/04
(Cim G.)

blue cross (LA) - 07/23/06
(jc n.)

Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Colroado - PPO (CO) - 1-16-03
BC/BS has agreed to pay for the first meeting with Dr. Tillquist. Good sign! 1-16-03 BC/BS approved surgery within 24 hours of getting referral! (Lou W.)

Cigna (CO) - 4/4/01
I never once had to call and talk with Cigna. Eileen arranged everything from Dr. Tillquist's office. They were giving her the run around for a while. Cigna kept requesting the same information repeatedly. I think that they were just stalling but Eileen was persistant. Cigna had specifically asked for aftercare info and Blood Pressure history. (Patricia H.)

Cigna (CO) - 09/06/01
Please note: Dr. Thomas Brown in Denver, CO is not contracted with Cigna for this surgery. This is as of 08/29/01, and I don't think they will be on it, at least they did not tell me he would be. 09/20/01 I found out today! I am approved. Took one phone call!!!!!!!! Dr. Tillquist's office is great. Eileen made one phone call to insurance, and I am approved!!!!!!!!! (shelli b.)

CIGNA (CO) - 07/03/03
(Elizabeth W.)

Cigna - HMO (CO) - 06/24/2002
My surgery is scheduled July 15, 2002. SO excited!!!!! Dr. Tillquist's office took care of everything, megan called Tuesday morning to let me know I am APPROVED and surgery on schedule for July 15, 2002. Thank you Dr. T's office and Cigna! My life is begining July 15, 2002! (Connie S.)

CIGNA - City & County of Denver (CO) - 02/12/02
I really didn't have any direct contact with the insurance company other than submitting my request for surgery through my doctor's office. It all went very smooth! (Kelly K. Y.)

CIGNA - Colorado (CO) - 03/26/02
I wouldn't know what it was like dealing with CIGNA because Eilene did all of the work. I was approved quickly due to the co-morbids. I think it helped that I provided documentation of diagnosis and treatment so it was very clear that the co-morbids were there. (LETTA T.)

Cigna - HMO (CO) - 04/01/02
7/11/02 Just one phone call, and 5 min. is all it took for Eileen at Dr. T's office to get my approval! Of course it took a million things to lead up to that point. Just happy anyway! 7/1/02 I have less than four weeks until my surgery, and still haven't heard anything from them! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH (Andrea S.)

Cigna (CO) - 04/07/02
(Amy H.)

Cigna - HMO (CO) - 07/09/02
I have had no problem with my health insurance company. (Deborah H.)

Cigna - EPO (CO) - 08/27/02
It took Cigna 3 days to make the decision to approve my surgery. The last time I called and got the good news, the woman who assisted me was awesome. She spent a good 15 minutes making sure everything was in order and notating very detailed documentation that my surgeon and the hospital were covered. I really don't think they respond to persistence because you're just getting a phone operator. I would just recommend that if you feel like you're dealing with someone who isn't very experienced, call back and talk to someone else. I felt like I was in the most wonderful hands and that just put my mind at ease because I knew she would make sure everything was documented properly. They don't pay for the initial consultation with the surgeon (which was about $385 I believe) and they don't pay for the psych eval ($180) but in my mind that's a small price to pay if they're willing to pay for the surgery, hospital stay and a life time of prescribed supplements. (Deanne G.)

Cigna (CO) - 01/07/03
(Donna G.)

Cigna - HMO (CO) - 03/23/03
(Patricia A.)

CIGNA - HMO (CO) - 04/03/03
I got approvel in 3 days. I didn't deal with the insurance company at all. Eileen at Dr. Tillquest's office took care of everything. (Michelle C.)

Cigna - EPO (CO) - 04/14/2004
I continue to be amazed that I was approved in only 2 days. Many people have had months of denials and appeals in dealing with Cigna. I think I was approved so quickly for two reasons: 1) I spent 13 months gathering documentation. I met their criteria of the 26 week supervised diet with physician weigh-ins. 2) I included the letter from the lawyer that I felt said to them "I know my rights, I won't play your games." If I had not been approved so quickly, I was mentally prepared to be in the fight for the long haul. I would not have quit until I was approved. (Mindy N.)

Cigna - EPP (CO) - 5/17/04
Cigna in CO is not approving any WLS without proof of two 26-week Dr. supervised diets, with one of the 26-week diets being completed in the 12 months prior to surgery. Luckily, I was warned of this by my surgeon's office when I called in 6/03. I have now completed 27-weeks of Weight Watchers, supervised by my PCP as well. I have lost 22 pounds. My request for pre-approval should be sent out sometime after 1/15/04. I will update on any progress with Cigna after that. I have heard a rumor that Cigna, as of 2004, has excluded Gastric Bypass Surgery, but since my "insurance year" runs from July 1 - June 30, it is my understanding that they cannot officially exclude WLS from my policy until July 1, 2004. Time will tell. 2/8/04 Cigna has denied my pre-authorization for RNY. I haven't received the letter outlinging the reason for denial yet, but talked to them on the phone this morning. 2/11/04. I received my denial letter. It stated that the reason for my denial is that "weight watchers does not meet the criteria of a physician-supervised diet". Well, when I began WW in 7/03, it WAS on their approved list. Regardless, I DID see my PCP all throughout my 6 months with WW. 2/13/04 My Surgeon's office filed an appeal based on the fact that my PCP was included on my 6 month diets and weekly weigh-ins, and also sent them my excercise history with Curves. 2/23/04 Cigna's National Appeals Unit in Glendale received my appeal and sent it to the Review Nurse. 2/30/04 I called the Director of the National Appeals Unit to check on the status of my appeal. She personally emailed the reviewing Nurse and asked her to call me regarding the status. 30 minutes later, the Nurse called. The review is complete, and on 3/1/04 she will forward my 30+ page file to Intracorp for a ruling. She told me that I should have a decision my 3/8/04. She also told me that if I have any trouble to call her. WOW! I am hoping that means good news. 3/8/04 Nope, bad news. Cigna denied my appeal, not because of the diet history, but on the basis of medical necessity. They aren't supposed to deny you for a different thing each time! Ridiculous. 3/19/04 I have hired an attorney who specializes in obesity law. He will file my 2nd appeal, and if needed, handle my external review. Email me if you'd like to know more about his law firm. VERY REASONABLE price for his services! 5/9/04 My 2nd level appeal finally got to Cigna on 5/5/04. My attorney says that we should hear from Cigna in approximately 2 weeks, at which time, they will most likely want to set up a teleconference. 5/13/04 I received a certified letter from Cigna informing me that they have scheduled a Committee Meeting/Teleconference for next Tuesday, 5/18/04. My attorney and I will both participate. Then, Cigna has until Wednesday, 5/26/04 to make their decision. 5/17/04 PRAISE THE LORD! Cigna just called, and said that my appeal had been APPROVED, prior to the conference call. Many thanks to Gary Viscio @ Obesitylawyers.com! (Susan B.)

Cigna (CO) - 2/15/05
My surgeon's office staff was very upfront about the requirements of my insurance company. The secretary would not submit my request until I had met these requirements. I was fully prepared to be denied, and was ready for the long haul. I was extremely (but happily!) surprised to learn that I had been approved so quickly, and without a battle. Kudos to Dr. Tillquist's office staff!!! (Julie / Scraps Y.)

Cinga (CO) - 7/9/02
Cigna was great - very quick approval at first request! I'm sure my surgeon's office knows how to make the request so that it gets a positive response, but I don't know what they said. I believe all I'll have to pay is my co-pay for the hospital stay ($200)and my doctor's visits ($15). Now to find out their policy on future plastic surgery.... Well, plastic surgery was NOT easy at all! Had to have a mighty battle - first with months of claiming to have no info, finally a denial. I had to have my personnel dept. get involved in order to get an initial response from them. They are great at stonewalling. Very polite while they do it. I put together an awesome appeal, though, and it was approved quickly. Still no bill except the hospital co-pay. (Jennifer A.)

Colorado access/medicaid (CO) - 12/10/03
I have had no problems with Colorado Access with any of my medical problems, untill now. My case worker isnt optimistic. She says my comorbidities arent bad enough to qualify for weight loss surgery and that I should be ready to pay for it myself. If I could do that I wouldnt be on medicaid! (Michelle T.)

community hospital, self insured - ppo (CO) - 12/07/00
appealed 2x, no luck. they will not budge, they didnt even dignify my 2nd appeal with an anwser in writing. (a verbal no) and maybe a "next year? yea right. it is very upsetting. I am trying to get outside insurance with united health care, we will see where that takes me. i just dont want to wait another year! Well, I am offically covered by United Health Care! it is options ppoc, they do have an obesity exclusion, but morbid obesity is a covered benifit--yipee! so now, I just need to see if they will make Dr. Tilquist part of the ppo for me, as he and one other Dr are the only ones who do lap in colorado, and they are both out of network! So hopefully I can get the in network coverage. (Michelle H.)

Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield - IBM Self-Managed Plan (CO) - 04/26/02
(Amy V.)

First Health - Agilent Copayment (CO) - 11/12/03
(Tracey C.)

Great West - POS (CO) - 12/01/2003
(Rachel D.)

Great West (CO) - 12/15/06
(Lisa V.)

Great West - One Health Plan (CO) - 06/26/05
(Tomi S.)

Great West Life and Annuity - Great West (CO) - 08/14/06
(Amena A.)

Greatwest Onehealth - ppo (CO) - 11/6/02
They were surprisingly great. My surgeons office dealt with them and I was approved in 1 week. (Patty M.)

Guardian - Private Healthcare Systems (CO) - 3/5/03
I spoke with someone in Customer Service for Guardian, and they told me it would be covered if I was diagnosed as being morbidly obese. Their definition of morbidly obese is double the size for ones height. And it must be medically necessary. So hopefully when the dr. send the letter in for approval I won't have any problems. I double checked with them that they have Dr. Tillquist as a approved surgeon. He is. (Shauna B.)

Kaiser - HMO (CO) - 12/26/01
(Gina D.)

Kaiser Permanente (CO) - 12/13/01
(Jill Q.)

Kaiser Permanente - PPO (CA) - 04/09/05
(Jim W.)

Kaiser point of service - CCN/MMA (CO) - 03/01/2004
(MARTI J.)

Kristen Boardman - Pacific Care (CO) - 02/14/02
(Kristen B.)

Medicaid (CA) - 07/16/02
First time I called them to get some information on what they would require from me for approval and person I spoke with was of no help... Eileen submitted my insurance for me and I never had to deal with them at all... I did not have any problems getting approved... Thanks to all the wonderful help from Eileen... she is the greatest for putting up with me constantly calling... Thanks Eileen... (Leslie G.)

Medicaid (NY) - 12/25/02
(Shawna E.)

Medicaid - Primary Care Physician program (CO) - 02/24/03
(Deanna O.)

Medicaid - CO State (CO) - 02/25/03
I let the dr's office deal with the insurance company. I was a little anxious to get the answer back, but it was over the holidays, so I had to learn some patience. Overall, it went very smoothly. (Naomi S.)

Medicaid (CO) - 10/15/03
Medicaid approved me the DAY AFTER my paperwork was sent in and I received a letter from them stating my pre-approval a week later! (Vickie C.)

Medicaid (CO) - 10-19-2003
Well according to them, I don't need a pre certification. They said that if my Dr. refers it then it IS medically necessary and that the surgeon should bill them and they WILL pay. OF COURSE, that is not good enough for a surgeon so I have no idea what this proccess will be like for me. I do know it is not exluded though... that is good... right? ;) 10-19-2003 Ok well my surgeon's office requires pre-certification and what I have heard is that Medicaid is approving everybody who has their letter of medical necessity... lets hope I am not the first one they change their policy on :O) (Shawna P.)

medicaid-medicare (CO) - 01/07/04
(Angel S.)

medicare (CO) - 04/16/01
(Leslie C.)

Medicare (CO) - 07/21/04
(Janice J.)

medicare (RI) - 08/31/04
I did not have to personally deal with my insurance company. Dr. Tillquist office handled the whole matter. As far as I know, my insurance company did not stall. I really can not answer the last two questions b/c I did not deal with them personally. (Brenda R.)

Medicare - A & B (CO)
(Meta P.)

Medicare (CO) - 12/19/05
(AlmostAnAngel .)

Medicare A & B (KS) - 08/09/2006
(Robin S.)

NON-HMO MEDICAID (CO) - 08/02/00
Non-HMO Medicaid for SSDI. No problems at all. Approval in 2 weeks after they got my file. (SANDI S.)

One Health Plan - HMO (CO) - 12/18/00
I found One Health very difficult to deal with, although..they did approve my surgery after one letter. They were very slow about things and very evasive. It was hard to get a straight answer about anything from anyone and there were several instances where I felt like it was a case of the blind leading the blind. I wouldn't recommend dealing with One health Plan if you can help it. (Stephanie S.)

One health plan - POS (MO) - 08/13/02
Got approved for 3 visits with Dr Tillquist. Then he will apply for surgery approval. (Karen C.)

Pacific Care and Medicade (CO) - 04/21/02
I talked to PacifiCare yesterday and they told me it only takes 2 days for the turn around when they receive all the information they need to make a dession for covarage. I am so excited. They all said I do quilify for the surgery and are awaiting the official paperwork from my surgeon. Today I got conformation that my insurance has approved me. It only took 48 hours to get an answer back. I have heard that PacifiCare aproves a lot of these surgries. (jenifer w.)

Pacific Life & Annuity - PPO (CO) - 02/21/02
I am waiting for approval. I have spoken to a few people in the customer service center and they are all very helpful and courteous! I have read that a few others on this site have this insurance company and all of them have been approved by what I have seen. That does give me some hope! I will update when I know a definite answer. 2/21/02: I am approved! Almost exactly one month after my consult with my surgeon. I think I drove the Med Value nurses a little nuts, calling everyday for the past 8 days! But it all came together! Pacific Life is a great company! I was told that the minimum requirements are: 40 or more BMI and surgeon's recommendation. I have not been on any doctor-supervised diets, which my surgeon's office was concerned about. No problem! (LaRayne H.)

Pacific Life and Annuity - PPO (CO) - 04/12/02
Insurance became effective July 1st and was approved the day it was submitted by my doctor's office. You must have a BMI of 40 and be 100 pounds overweight. AWESOME!! (Lydia S.)

PACIFICARE (CO) - 04/06/01
(NATALIE E.)

Pacificare (CO) - 5/23/2001
I have no complaints with PacifiCare, my Dr's office faxed over my request for surgery on a Tuesday and they approved it the next day. To be honest I was stunned. I was expecting to be summarily denied and then prepare to go to battle with the 'allmighty insurance giant'. But, THANK GOD, that did not happen. When I called PacifiCare they said that treatment for obestiy was excluded except where medically necessary. I have never been officially diagnosed with any of my co-morbid's so I guess they just took my surgeon's word for it. I guess my BMI was justification enough. I would personally recommend this company because they approved me for surgery, but I have read many profiles where PacifiCare has denied others with co-morbid's much more severe then mine. Who knows how these insurance companies make their decisions??!! (Karen W.)

PacifiCare - HMO (CO) - 06/11/01
I have only called them once, and that was before I had even thought about going to the Dr., just to see what there policy was, case by case I was told .They approved me after the first letter, and Eileen at Dr. Tillquist's office did everything, I've never had problems with PacifiCare in the past, and they have once again come through for me! The only thing I don't like is that they approved 4 visits and the surgery, so now when I need to see my surgeon for aftercare visits, I have to go and get a referal from my PCP. Waste of time, and copay, just to get the paper, saying it's ok. They really need to change that. If they approve the surgery, then they should just let you have aftercare without hassles. (Carey N.)

Pacificare (CO) - 11/30/01
I never had to deal with them directly. I was approved within 48 hours of finally getting my paperwork submitted. They are great. (Kristi D.)

pacificare - pos (CO) - 10/15/01
(Mary C.)

pacificare - hmo (FL) - 10/31/01
pacificare was great approved after the first inquiry that dr tillquist office sent in. (carla k.)

PacifiCare - HMO (CO) - 03/27/02
So far Dr. Tillquist's office has done everything for me. 3/27/02 - Eileen from Dr. T's office called. Surgery was approved for 4/11/02. (Kari H.)

PacifiCare (CO) - 08/06/02
Dr. Tillquiest's office told me at my first appointment that PacifiCare is now requiring a Psy review. The only issue is - can't get a referral without pulling teeth or screaming. I have been waiting over two weeks to hear back from my PCP (who is wonderful at getting referrals) if she have gotten on back. As of today - she has not. I may have to just pay for it my self. It is madding that the insurance will demand you to get this for their approval for the surgery, but can't give you a referral. On the plus side -- after talking to several others on differnt insurance - this is nothing. I have heard that PacifiCare approves more than others. Let's hope! (Catie Z.)

Pacificare - HMO (CO) - 08/07/02
I received my approval from Pacificare approximately 1 week from the papers being sent in! Thank you Pacificare!!! I originally started this journey with HMO of Colorado which is Anthem BC/BS. I was having a devil of a time getting approval for blood tests, they never did pay for them. My office had open enrollment in November and I switched to Pacificare which became effective 1/2003. I'll let ya all know how well Pacificare does! (Cheri K.)

Pacificare - HMO of Colorado (CO) - 12/30/03
My surgeons office did all the work. We did call to make sure it was covered and was told if i get it approved before Jan 04 because they were excluding it at the begining of the year so i got in under the wire!! This is Pacificar HMO of Colorado. Other Pacificare Hmo's may be different. (Dinell H.)

Pacificare (CO) - 2/11/03
I was approved within 48 hours of when the paperwork was sent in. Pacificare requires a mental health assessment and a nutrition class. (Robin B.)

Pacificare - HMO (CO) - 08/25/04
(Shrinking V.)

Presbyterian Senior Care (MS) - 11/10/05
(Barbara F.)

Private Healthcare Sys (CO) - 07/12/04
(Betty M.)

Rocky Mountain HMO - c-1000 (CO) - 6/20/01
I do not know anything yet. But it is an exclusion. (Christina G.)

RON SAFFELL - SLOANS LAKE (CO) - 11/26/02
(NANETTE S.)

Self Pay (CO) - 09/26/01
(Donya W.)

self pay (CO) - 11/19/01
(Jackie P.)

Sloans Lake - Pipefitters (CO) - 05/16/02
I was approved .. apparently they first denied it but Eileen at Dr. Tilquist's office made sure to resubmit every thing they needed to get it approved without any delay ... RIGHT ON !!!!! GOOD work... (Rebecca O.)

United (CO) - 03/25/01
I was approved within a week, and had no complications whatsoever. I've heard from others as well that they are usually quick to approve. (Lis P.)

United - Choice Plus (CO) - 07/19/02
I'll have to update this one when all is said and done. My original call on June 10th I was told surgery was no problem. Surgeon was out of network and I would be responsible for 30%. So I went forward. On 7/19, they denied according to a written exclusion policy for my husband's employer. What happened between those two dates? So I tried calling today at 3 Denver time. I gave the name of the person I spoke with before and the date and time I called. They can't find this person! Then they closed down before I could call back and try to find someone else who could help me. They have a good web page that show that morbid obesity is covered, but it is difficult to navigate because of the policies that each employer has. 8/16/02 -- Life is not good with insurance. UHC has a written exclusion in one of the policies they issue. Unfortunately, that happens to be the policy I have! I called the lawyers recommended on this page and they said they haven't been successful with that exclusion. I have set up an enrollee hearing, but I'm not very hopeful. (Jst P.)

United Health Care - POS (CO) - 01/19/01
I called the insurance company yesterday, the day that I had my consultation, to see if they have a written exclusion policy. The rep that answered the phone was very pleasant, and said that if my doctor had given me a diagnosis of morbid obesity, getting approval shouldn't be a problem. He also told me to have the doctors office call them directly, and they could give them the name of the person to send the forms to directly, and it would cut about 10 days off the time it would take to get an approval because it wouldn't have to go through the normal mail handling process. He also wished me well in the surgery. 1/26/01: United Health Care has been tremendous. I would definately recommend them to anyone. (Kelli P.)

United Health Care (CO) - 03/23/01
I don't think there will be a problem getting this approved. There are several others before me that used Dr Tillquist and are with United Health Care Once the paper work was submitted to UNC they responded with-in 24 hours. Their response was that they would pay out-of-network services, which means they pay 80% minus a deductible. My deductible is $450.00. Then I have to pay 20% out of pocket for the procedure. I actually ended up paying only for my initial consultation $250.00 out of pocket. This is a small price to pay, I think. (Kristin B.)

United Health Care (CO) - 03/30/01
I had an answer 48 hours after the submittal. The nurse for United called to inform me of the decision. I was impressed. (Jill B.)

UNITED Health Care (CO) - 03/25/02
Any who have this insurance should consider themselves fortunate. ***Note, remember not to tell others that getting approved is a snap if they do NOT have United. It is not a snap! (Wendy S.)

United Health Care - Dwayne Bennett (CO) - 02/09/04
THE INSURANCE PROCESS IS A VERY FRUSTRATING PROCESS BECAUSE U CONTINUE TO CALL AND NO ONE HAS ANY INFORMATION ABOUT ANYTHING.ALL THEY CAN TELL U IS IT IS BEING REVEIWED.MY DR OFFICE SAID THEY COULD VERY EASILY GET THESE THINGS PROCESSED BUT IT JUST SITS AND THEY FINALLY GET IT DONE AT THE LAST MINUTE.BUT NOT GOING TO KEEP COMPLAINING,I AM JUST HAPPY THAT I GOT MY APPROVAL AND I THANK GOD FOR THAT.THIS INSURANCE IS GOOD BECAUSE I HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE AT MY JOB THAT HAVE HAD THIS SURGERY AND APPROVAL IS JUST BASED UPON U BEING A 100 PDS OVERWEIGHT. (dwayne b.)

United Health Care POS (CO) - 10/14/01
(Sammie D.)

United Healthcare (CO) - 10/23/00
They seem very responsive. I have called them twice verifying coverage and asking what supporting documentation they will require and it seems very straightforward that if you meet BMI/weight guidelines and it is medically necessary that they pay 100%. We'll see if it actually turns out that easy! Well, after a bit of a struggle I was approved and they paid for everything very promptly. I'm fighting them now to pay for my follow up visits for the first year. (Kimberley W.)

United HealthCare - POP (CO) - 11/07/01
Well I thought they were going to cover it all but they didn't they only covered 80/20 and I have been stuck with over $2500.00 in payments. Now Dr. T is covered but the insurance company may not cover the office visits because they feel they are not medically necesary. I'm in the appeals process because they covered someone with the exact same insurance that I work with but not mine..plus there is no other Dr. that does this surgery with in a 25 mile radius of my house. Just be carefull i'm not saying it has not been worth it because it has and Dr. T is the Best. (Louise S.)

United HealthCare - Select Plus POS (CO) - 05/21/02
I did not have to deal with them at all. My surgeon took care of everything. (Heather H.)

United Healthcare - PPO (CO) - 12/18/02
They were impossible to talk to, they just said they would send the info to the Dr. I was not surprised to get a denial since there is a written exclusion, my problem was they would not give me a copy of these exclusions etc before i bought my policy with them. (Bonnie D.)

United HealthCare - PPO (CO) - 12/2/2003
I gave up on Cigna, they are becoming blatent when it comes to discriminating against the obese.... It will be interesting to see what they do in 2004! UHC is either covered or excluded and that depends on the employer, not UHC. From what it sounds like, I think my hubby's employer covers it (I HOPE!) (Judith E.)

United Healthcare - PPO (FL) - 09/02/04
Dr. Tillquists office did all the dealing with them. I did very little. (Mae W.)

UnitedHealthcare - PPO (CO) - 01/09/03
I have always been completely satisfied with my insurance. They are timely in responding in either the positive or negative and I've never had a bad experience with getting approved. (Julia N.)