insurance questions

Hi everyone! I am new to this site and trying to learn everything. I have a question for anyone who is willing to help me out. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arkansas insurance. When I spoke to them regarding them paying for my Lap-Band procedure they told me that they do not pay for any type of weight loss surgery. It seems like I saw a post somewhere where someone had received approval from this same insurance company. I am confused!!! Can anyone help me?? Thanks. Karen

Sorry Karen but I dont know anything about that insurance company.

Thanks anyway!! I appreciate it!! Maybe someone out there has the answers that I am looking for! Karen

Hi Karen, have you tried the Insurance Forum? I haven't visited there, but you might get some info there. Also, try posting your question on the main forum. There are lots of folks who have gotten approval through the appeal process. They'll be able to help you with that. Good luck, Susan

Thank you very much. I will have to try that. I am so ready to have the Lap-Band done. I have waited for so long and now having to fool with insurance makes it still seem so far out of reach. Thanks though!! Karen

I haven't been approved or anything yet, but my provider is Blue Advantage which is a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield. I think it mostly depends on the plan that is supported by your employer. I know our HR person has alot to say about things that are appealed. If you haven't built that relationship - you may want to consider it. I think that's why it is so confusing because it can all be Blue Cross Blue Shield but if your employer doesn't have a plan that includes the surgery, and another company's does then one person would be denied and another accepted. I'm not an expert but this is how I understand it to work.

Thanks Angie! I believe that you are correct in what you are saying. I contacted Blue Cross again today and they told me that my particular plan does not cover this type of surgery. She explained that other plans through other employers may cover it, but my particular plan through the public school where I teach, does not cover it. The lady that I spoke to told me that even though I have the top plan that is offered, most plans through public schools do not cover the surgery. I guess I am just going to have to pay out of pocket! I am tired of being overweight and even though it will cost me thousands of dollars that I really don't need to spend, I feel like it is imperative for my health and life that I have the Lap-Band done. Now I guess since I am through hassling with the insurance company, its time for the nerves and anxiety to kick in!! Never ends does it?? Thanks again for your help! Karen

I received approval for this surgery and I have BCBS, however; the company I work for is very specific in what surgeries they want paid for and this surgery just happen to be one of them.