State Health Benefit Plan: Georgia

Does anyone know why the plan has changed and they have removed both Gastric Bypass and Verticle Band from the coverage? As of July 1, 2005 it will no longer be covered by any State Health Plan. I'm really at a loss here because I have finally reached a point that surgery would be necessary and now I can't get coverage. *hopeful* Any suggestions? Open Enrollment is till May 17th.

Jennifer, I'm a state employee and I have Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO. They told me in February that the plan that I have covers the surgery provided that I get clearance of course. I have spoken with them several times since then and everything so far is ok. The referral for the surgeon went through with no problem I have visited surgeon and will be going for my psych eval soon. Hoping I will be approved after the eval! I hope this info is useful to you. Caren

Jennifer, I also have Blue Choice HMO, and I received approval on the first try. I also understand that the surgery will no longer be covered as of July 1st....really stinks!!! Is there any way you get get approval before July 1st??? "Hoping" for you!!!! Becky

Unfortunately not. See the plan that I currently hold is the PPO and though it is listed as one of the surgeries that will require preapproval I have spoken to a doctor's office and they say they usually deny the claim. I'm just depressed I guess with the thought of putting the rest of my life on hold for the length of time that it will take to get it approved. I'm supposed to be getting married in the next year and children a year later. But I didn't want to do any of that with the extra weight.