My surgeon and I both received a letter from Medica - United Health Care that stated that I was approved for an open roux-en-y surgery that was good from 12-31-2008 - 12-31-2009. I had said surgery 02-16-2009. The insurance company have paid for the surgeon fees, anestesia fees, CT scans, x-rays, labs, etc. I received a bill from the hospital for $47, 000. The insurance company investigated and their conclusion was that this service (the surgery) required pre-approval and that I did not have approval for this surgery, therefore I am responsible for the bill. Luckily, my surgeon had his copy of the letter. I faxed it to the insurance company and followed up with a phone call. I have not heard back. If someone scams an insurance company, they go to jail. An insurance company tries to scam a paying customer and what??