Step 1 - Which of these Insurance Providers Would be Best for Lap Band Approval?

Ok, I landed a great job with the state, now I am trying to figure out Ahead of time which one of these insurance plans/providers to choose from so that when I do go to apply for the Lap Band surgery ... I will have less hassle and tail chasing to deal with. I have my option of the following:

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Available Statewide
Deductible 3 Plus	www.wellmark.com
Program 3 Plus	www.wellmark.com
Iowa Select	www.wellmark.com
IUP Select	www.wellmark.com

 

Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) Options Vary by Location Managed Care Service Area
Blue Access	www.wellmark.com
Blue Advantage	www.wellmark.com
United Healthcare Choice	www.unitedhealthcare.com
United Healthcare Heritage Select	www.uhcrivervalley.com

And I was hoping to get some advice from people who have dealt with BCBS or the other companies in regards to which plan would be best for getting approved. Any suggestions, advice, opinion, or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance fellow Iowans have a great day.

Don't know much about the different policies but I have Blue Access with wellmark and I was approved with in 2 weeks on my first try.  My portion of the hospital bills and everything after insurance was $1300.  I was pretty happy about it and I have not had any issues with insurance not paying for things.

Wow that is great! I actually did let the HR gal yesterday know that I wanted to go with Blue Access so I am very glad that I  chose that one! I was going over the site though and it says that you have to have at least 3 years of documented medical supervision as far as diet and excercise routines, but I have also read that the Dr will send in a letter stating the information as far as previous weight loss attempts and diet regimens etc.... could you explain to me how that works?  I am sure my questions probably sound very silly but I just want to gain some more knowledge of the application process. Thanks for the help!

When I went to my surgeon they had a huge packet of information that I had to fill out.  In that packet it had me list all the diest I have tried over the past 5 years if they were supervised or monitored by a doctor etc and how much weight I lost and regained and how long I did the diet.  I listed my attempts at Atkins, South Beach, Weigh****chers, Optifast, and I also did low calorie and excersize per doctor's order.  I had a letter from my doctor that documented the first time we discussed weightloss and what my weight etc was at that time.  To be honest I actually thought the letter would make it so I couldn't get through my doctor was a realy witch and was trying to make it sound like I only wanted surgery and wasn't willing to try other things when infact I was doing everything I could.  I was so shocked and amazed. Have you talked to a surgeon yet?  That is the best place to start cause they are used to dealing with insurance companies and usually know exactly what it takes to get an approval.  My surgeon never had one doubt mine would get approved and he was right.  Blue Cross also has a benefits coordinator call you and talk to you about your decision and to make sure you are happy with the progress and don't have any questions once you get approved.  I know if I had known it was going to be so easy to get approved for me (not everyone gets approved so easily) I would have done this years ago.  Again good luck and feel free to ask away. :)

Hi, I was wondering what your further research found?  My husband works for the state of Iowa and the policy we picked last year was John Deere Select and although their website states they covered it, I later found that the state of Iowa has a special exclusion clause.  With open enrollment coming up, was curious if you had further contact with your insurer and have you been told it is not excluded.  thanks.

I work for the State and I chose Iowa Select / Wellmark Alliance Select. Best deal in my opinion ...... I have premiums .... but after $ 250 medicine deductable for me ......the rest of year is free. My out of pocket max for me is 600 and 800 family. I wouldn't change for nothing. Excellent excellent ins. Blue Access wouldn't cover Bariatric. Just my .02 cents