Status conference set in suit over unpaid weight loss surgery

A status conference has been set in a suit against St. Clair County filed by a woman who claims her county health plan did not pay for her weight loss surgery as required.

The county denies the claims.

The conference is set for Oct. 19 at 9:30 a.m.

Discovery is still in its initial phase in the case.

Plaintiff Tisa Gartney is seeking damages of at least $33,000.

Gartney claims her health plan through St. Clair County should have covered her 2006 gastric banding surgery.

The plaintiff contends that the insurance failed to come through with payment after she underwent the procedure.

The county denies her claims in its answer.

St. Clair County Circuit Judge Robert LeChien presides.

Kevin Boyne represents the plaintiff.

Alvin Paulson represents the county.

The case is St. Clair case number 09-L-151.