Question:
Has anybody ever milked the
I did not want to lay it on too thick ,but I am a dramatic sort. I included in my letter to the insurance co. that I am being robbed of being a mother since I can keep up with them to play or go on the playground with them and that if I don't have the surgery they will be robbed of me. There is no one else to care for these four little boys (ages 8, 6, 4, 2) if I get so fat I cannot take care of them very well or if I die from comorbities. I have high cholesterol, a history of gestational diabetes w/ insulin and depression as well as aches and pains and getting short of breath. Has naybody else milked it emotionally regarding their children and found this helpful? PLEASE NEED HELP..I haven't sent this in yet, but I don't want then to be turned off by it and not approve. — nicole P. (posted on July 29, 2002)
July 29, 2002
Nicole,
I understand completely what you are saying. It hurts me to hear my 3 year
old say "Bet ya can't catch me mommy" and know that I can't run
more than a few feet without gasping for air...
Insurance companies are not ran by people, but rather robots programmed
only to randomly stamp "approved" or "denied". They are
devoid of feeling, but I am pretty sure I heard one of them laughing at me
as it put me on hold for the 4th time in a single call, so at least they
are humorous! :)
— [Deactivated Member]
July 29, 2002
I had an insurance company deny a medication once that helped my injured
knee. It was the only anti-inflammatory that didn't make me sick with
cramping and diarrhea for 3 days after one dose. I layed it on pretty
thick, and I think they saw how truly important it was to me and approved
it. This was after the doctor's appeal failed too. Anyone with a heart
should put some serious consideration into their decision after reading
such a letter. I think everyone knows someone who is morbidly obese, and
sees how sucky and short their life can be. I would make sure to state
specific health problems (which I'm sure you have done). Make sure it is
stated in a very mature, serious way. In this, there is no room for any
exaggeration or sarcasm. All that you stated in your question is great,
but maybe mention that statistically your lifespan is greatly reduced due
to the weight. Maybe mention any/all of the failed diets you have been on.
What joints hurt? Be specific. Read Sheila Curl's profile, she has an
appeal letter that will knock your socks off. From one mom to another,Best
Wishes and God Bless!!!
— Tina B.
July 29, 2002
Personally I don't think it will help. They MAY see you as an
"emotional person".... just guessing though. I think your very
best bet is to see a lawyer and pay HIM/HER to write a letter to them. Then
they will at least take notice. Insurance companies don't give a damn about
people. It's only money they care about. They will probally yawn and toss
your letter... however they will take note of a lawyers!
— Danmark
July 29, 2002
**********I wrote this one. my children amounted to four sentences out of a
three page meticulously detailed letter including more stats and history
than you can shake a stick at. I guess my point was that my children are
EVERYTHING to me. I didn't know if a pinch of humanity in a letter had ever
helped more than just the stats/histories/technical jargon they get day
after day.Thank you to everyone who took a moment out of their lives for me
a complete stranger. A thousand Blessing. Still need advice/info.
— nicole P.
July 29, 2002
You are right Susan....I had to fight my husbands employer (self-insured)
to get approval and I dealt with the person who approved or dissaproved the
insurance for the company. I gave her all the facts...past diet
attempts..wl then gains from them..co-morbids and how they affected the
quality of life...not to emotional, more factual. I feel that the overly
emotional appeals are looked at as whiny, because I believe most people
think if we just "ate a salad and exercised" we would be
fine!..So cold hard facts! that is the best way to go.
— Patricia R.
July 30, 2002
hi. I didn't milk it regarding children, b/c i do not have any (I am only
22) but my letter was a little personal. it started out saying
"society is not equipped for obese people." and continued to say
that movie theatres and adventure parks do not have seats big enough for
me. That i am not even able to barely work anymore (I am a waitress
part-time as well as a babysitter) I also go to college and was diagnosed
with plantar fascitas (heel spurs)b/c of the extra weight, so it makes it
hard for me to walk back and forth to class. The extra emotion didn't
hinder me at all, i was approved in less than 3 weeks with AETNA insurance!
just don't be too dramatic! :) goodluck!
— Lezlie Y.
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