Bad news on BC/BS

Hey guys, I talked to Nikki from the OH staff last night and it's official, BCBS will not be authorizing WLS next year. Apparently they just decided and made it official the day before yesterday. In Florida they gave the folks a years notice, but for us here in GA, we're only getting a month. I know there were rumors about this at the beginning of summer, and doctor's offices kept telling folks it was just a rumor. Did everyone else know this and I'm the last dummy in line? It's possible, very possible. I just wanted to make sure that everyone is aware of the policy change. Kelle

hey there i had heard about this in April only cause my friend works in HR in Flordia and got a notice in April right after i had mine done and she wanted to make sure i knew about it in case i was waiting about it ...But i had a feeling this was going to happen !!! that sucks for alot of people but medicaid and medicare might start paying for it next year ...so i guess one has to stop for the other to start ..... Laura

I've heard about this, but don't know how true it is for every policy and I believe if you are a state employee it won't be in effect until June 2005, that's when all state policies change. Amy

Man...I am freaking OUT!!! I had my nutritional eval today and that is the last thing I have to do. Does anyone know how long it will take Dr. Burrowes to submit and if I have a SNOWBALL'S CHANCE IN HELL of getting this done before Jan????? What should I do???? I have BCBS HMO. Shree

The coverage stops once your plan is renewed. You need to find out when your plan year ends. Not everyone is on a calendar year. For example, I am trying to get approval and my plan will be up as of May 1, 2005 so I have until then. I hope that helps

Yea my plan year ends in june so i have until then,they told me when i called them that they couldnt just stop paying in the middle of your contract,but it was over when it comes renewal time for you ,im waiting on insurane approval now,i hope i hear something soon.....huggsss Amy c.

How will that effect people with a 12month pre-exsisting clause? Oh my GOD I have come so far!!!!!!! All my paperwork is done!!!! I need to get my A1C level down a little more, but I have completed EVERYTHING! My policy was effective May 1, 2004 but I have that 12 month clause. Please someone anyone HELP!