With all the insurance challenges, here's a success story...

[Guest guest]

After seeing so many posts about challenges with insurance companies,

I wanted to make sure those considering the surgery know that the

process can go smoothly. I'm 11 months into my braces, and four

months away from surgery. I've been able to convince not one, but

two insurance companies to pay for my surgery. Here's a recap:

When I first decided to get my bite corrected I started with my

dentist, who referred me to an orthodontist. Dental insurance

covered the initial visit where I learned I'd need braces, but also

surgery. My dental insurance covered about $1,000 of the $4,300 for

my orthodontics. Since the surgery would be covered under major

medical, I then had my orthodontist refer me back to my primary care

doc, and they referred me to an oral surgeon. He wrote one letter to

Cigna stating the reasons for my medically necessary surgery. By the

time I had my third orthodontic appointment, I had been approved for

surgery by Cigna.

At the end of last year I learned my employer was dropping Cigna. I

had a choice of several insurance carriers, so I called each and

researched which covered orthgnatic procedures, and elminated those

who didn't. I ended up with Kaiser for my major medical. At the

start of the year it was back to a new PCP to get referred to a new

OS. In my area, Kaiser doesn't have a maxiofacial surgeon on staff,

so I was referred out of network for a diagnosis and approval by

their contracted OS. I saw the OS this week and he is approving the

surgery and scheduling it for mid June.

Now comes the scary part, getting my lower jaw moved forward 12mm to

correct my overbite! But, the insurance part of it is at least over,

and now I can focus my energy on getting ready for surgery and other

things in my life.

Dammit