BCBS of Alabama

 I called my insurance company and asked if they covered Gastric Bypass.  They said that they do not.  Then I said, "If my plan doesn't cover it are there any other plans through BCBS of alabama that do?"  They said "No."

This information is obviously incorrect as I have read that many people have been approved for WLS through BCBS of Alabama.  My question to you all is...

Is there specific language to use when asking the insurance company if you are covered?

Is your insurance provided by your employeer? Sometimes it depends on what the company provides. I've had BCBS of AL several times and some covered WLS and some did not. Some smaller companies exclude anything bariatric in nature.

It may be worth it to talk to your benefits person at work and see what the options are to get this type of coverage.

The only other options are to one... go and purchase an insurance plan that covers WLS. two self pay for surgery. Some I believe have been able to get surgery tby submitting and then fighting the insurance company.

Good luck!

It was listed as Surgical Management of Morbid Obesity for me under BCBS of AL. 

However, I think it is up to your company to have this in or out of the insurance policy. 

I would suggest calling and asking about it as worded above.  Also, it is no longer listed under policies on the BCBS web site I use.  It is "hidden" somewhere else on the website.  I had to have a supervisor (3 transfers into my phone call) to tell me where it was listed. Hope this helps.

Jane

Employer's can put restrictions on what is an allowable claim.  I work for a huge gov't contractor in Huntsville.  They could easily allow coverage for WLS but, do not.  In other words, It is not BCBS that doesn't cover, it is my employer's refusal to allow claims for WLS.  You could be in a similar situation.