Someone to Fight for You!

Returning to work after the holidays is always hard.  We surprisingly made it in to work earlier than usual 7:30 AM (it's been a long time since we've made it that early).  I knew I had to call Aet.na right away to re-enroll in their fertility program.  They didn't 'open' until 8 am. Everyone who's ever had to deal with insurance knows how frustrating it can be. You really need someone to be on your 'side' to fight for you.

I called Aetna right at 8AM and was on hold for 40 minutes!!  A live operator came on three times to tell me that all of their reps are busy and asked if I wanted to leave a message and they would call me back in 48 -72 hours!  I kindly explained to her, all three times, that no, I could not wait 48-72 hours as I have an appt. scheduled for tomorrow at 8 AM so I will patienly wait my turn in the queue.

Did I mention I waited 40 MINS??!!  (Thank goodness for speaker phone so I could keep working!)

It was FINALLY my turn in the queue and let me tell you, it was sooooo worth the wait.  Mary Beth was the best thing that has happened to me, YET, this year!  This woman was absolutely amazing.  She took the time to look up my old files and to make sure all my information was updated in the new enrollment form.  She even called me back to confirm once she consolidated my file!

After I got off the phone with Aet.na, I called AND emailed the RE's office to let them know that I had enrolled and that they should have no problem getting the pre-authorization.  When 4pm rolled around and I hadn't heard back, I called them back and all they told me was that they submitted all the paper work to Aetna and it's 'pending review' by them. And if I didn't have the authorization by my appointment tomorrow, they required me to pay for the entire cycle up front before I could even start! I asked them if I should try and call Aetna back and she told me that it might not do any good since they've already called in the info. 

I was feeling quite discouraged and thought that it was wishful thinking on my part to think that I could get the authorization so close to my appt, let alone right at the beginning of the new year! But I had to keep trying. 

I said a little prayer in my heart and called Aetna back.  This time I only waited 15 minutes before I got a live person. And the Lord truly heard my prayer because I got Mary Beth again!!  What are the chances of that?  Mary Beth even said that never happens!  She went way ABOVE and BEYOND her duties to help me.  She looked up my file, which was in the 'review bin' and she tracked down the department head, went to her manager too, and even stayed late to make sure that the nurse was able to review my file (it was after 5 pm).  She called me back and said that I got APPROVED!!! 

I am so grateful for MaryBeth and her willingness to go out of her way to help me out.  She truly is a patient advocate! I could not thank her enough.  If it wasn't for her, I would still be in the 'Review Bin.' Her willingness to fight for me, truly was an answer to my prayer.  I knew the moment that I called back and got her again that it was a good sign.  I kept thanking her over and over and told her that hopefully I can call back after the cycle and enroll in their maternity program!

So, I am set for my appointment tomorrow morning.  The RE is doing things slightly different this cycle.  I haven't started my period yet, but they want me to come in tomorrow for ultrasound/bloodwork.  By the end of the week, AF should show up and I will start the meds. 

I am hoping and praying that this cycle will be a success.  It's been quite a fight today to get the approval, and I know it's only the beginning.  (Sorry for the long lengthy post!)