I AM APPROVED. I WON!!! OMG the battle is over. Employer is telling UHC to update...

I just got a call from Kelley at Walter Lindstrom's office. The appeals board reviewed my file yesterday. I am approved. I just fell apart in my office. Embarrassing, but worth it. My hands are still shaking.

Kelley tells me that my husband's employer (ING) has a medical director *****viewed the file and based on the information that Lindstrom's office sent, they have determined their policy is OUTDATED. Apparently they are going to get in contact with UHC to have them update their policy, probably for 2014. I believe the requirement for 5 years' medical history will be removed. Possibly, they'll also change the BMI=40 requirement as well. Apparently, I have broken new ground for others coming behind me.

LESSONS LEARNED for anyone fighting insurance:

1. If you are denied, FIGHT IT.
2. Realize that insurance coordinators at your surgeon's offices are not specialists in appeals, and be ok with that.
3. You have protections written into your insurance policies that guarantee you due process if you are denied. Use them.
4. If the challenge of managing your appeal is too great for you to handle yourself, HIRE SOMEONE. I cannot say enough good about my experience with Kelley at Walter Lindstrom's office. She spent hours on the phone attempting to wade through ING's siloes. I know I didn't have time or attention to be able to do that AND be an employee/wife/mom. Total cost, for those that are curious, was $950, plus the cost of having medical records sent, so right about $1000. This is much cheaper than paying for surgery out of pocket.

I am happy to share additional details if folks would like them. Please let me know. 

I will be calling to get on my surgeon's schedule tomorrow. Wow. Woweewowwow. I feel like I just won the lottery.

Congrats1 so glad the lindstrom's were able to help you.

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

fabulous news!

Way to go girl! So proud of anyone who can fight and win!

Congrats!!!!  I'm so happy for you.  And it's excellent that you have paved the way for others.  Way to go!!!

I got goose bumps for you! Especially because I just came on here to post about my approval for surgery! I am on such a high! I was speechless when I read the email from the insurance coordinator, I can relate to only a small portion of what youre feeling. You have had a very long battle, and thank goodness you didnt give up! They should name the amendments after you :) :) :) Congratulations!!!

OMG!!!!! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!  I can only imagine the pressure and strain this has been.  Holy Guacamole, I cannot believe it!    I have been following you so this is the best news!  I would have fallen apart too, so don't even worry about that....... 

Ok, now to getting the ball rolling and getting you here on the losers bench!  Holy crap!  This spot had your name on it now for a long time so tell everyone to scoot their butt over!!!!!   Jane

Yabba dabba dooooo!

This is such exceptionally good news -- congratulations!   You've worked so hard for this -- let the life changes begin!

I am so happy for you and so proud of you!

Marilyn (aka mmm)