Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida question

It seems it is a lot harder to get the lap band surgery covered. Does anyone have experience particularly with BCBS of Florida covering that type of surgery? My BMI is 41 and I have some co-morbitities but am feeling liike the lap band may be best for me. Any comments will be helpful. Maybe I am just being a scaredy cat about the Roux n y.

Mary, Have you already seen a surgeon? I know many of us, including myself went into the first stages of research wanting lap band, then met with a couple doctors or went to info sessions and opted for RNY after I heard the track record and criteria for lap band. Just curious where you are in the process? If you havent already, you may want to post on the lap band forum too for more info regarding BC/BS and that particular surgery. Also, call BC/BS and ask them what their criteria is for covering lap band. The more research you have, the better Amy

It wouldnt cover it in 9/05 when I had mine done... Susan

I have done quite a bit of research. I am about 100 lbs overweight and was thinking maybe that is a good choice for me. Also, as I said, I am a bit skiddish. I had bilateral knee replacements three years ago and it was a dismal failure. I am in chronic pain with each and every step I take and even when setting. There is nothing easiily that can be done. I just feel a bit scared to try a surgery again, but feel I need to do this to maintain/get any quality of life at this point. I am 57 and nearly in a wheel chair.

I am almost 4 weeks out and have been dealing with BCBS/Florida. We have the Federal plan but it goes through Florida. At this time they are not coving Lap Band, their feeling it is still too new. Now with the new year you might give them a call and see if anything has changed. Good Luck, Carol

A also tried the lap band road as first choice. However BCBS of FL would not cover. Their rep even visited the doctor I was going with for a day of observation. Still no go, so instead of fighting with insurance and getting the 3 strikes you are out, I researched the RNY. That is the road I took. I also felt I would be more apt to cheat with lapband and thus not loose. Marla PS Good luck!

BCBS FL didn't pay for mine. I self-paid for my Lapband with Dr Jawad in Ocala.

I just assumed BCBS would not cover any of it since their big press release last year stating they will not covers WLS anymore. But I see people are being covered. How can that be? Donna, Cape coral

BCBS of Florida Federal Plan just paid all of my surgery and hospital bills for RNY. My surgery was on Dec 7. They were not paying for Lap Band at that time. BCBS has been under pressure to continue to pay for WLS. I don't know what Jan 1 brought in. Carol