ATHEM BC/BS in 01/05

Hi everyone I talked to a rep at Athem today and he said as of Jan. 2005 BC/BS will not cover WLS anymore. Has anyone else heard this? Thanks, Cindy

Is that CT Anthem BC/BS - all plans? I have a PPO. I hope not or there goes my hope for a healthier future. Nancy

Hi I was told this from someone who works there but i dont know if it applies to all plans.

Hi Cindy: That DOES seem to be the "word around town" that both BC/BS and Cigna will NOT be covering any bariatric (WLS) surgery after Jan 2005. That comes from my surgeon's office. But my question is...All of BC/BS plans? It remains to be seen what happens. Eventually, there will have to be legislation to make it a law to for insurance companies to cover this much valued surgery, both Gastric Bypass and LapBand. Towanda

I spoke with my insurance company last week about this rumor, and they said there was "nothing set in stone" . The rep i spoke with put me on hold for five minutes to get the right answer from his supervisor. i am currently insured with BC/BS of Mass. He also went on to say that if for some reason it DID happen, and you have been working on getting this surgery for some time now, you could appeal it using the excuse that it was preexisting before they made this change.... just my input Deanna