State of Iowa Employee - Treatment of morbid obesity is not covered on BCBS?

I was just checking out my benefits as listed on the wellmark website to see what I need to have prior to approval ... going through my list of information I came across this statement under "Other Services" Treatment of morbid obesity is not covered.  Anyone that is a State of Iowa Employee have bariatric surgery? I hope it's not a problem that I posted this in the Iowa boards and not the Insurance boards as I am hoping fellow Iowans will read here and respond first. Thanks. I have BCBS Blue Access if that helps.

Jen, Which Wellmark do you have?  [ Edited:  Sorry, I was re-reading and see that you have BlueAccess, so none of my info will apply] I am a teacher (state of Iowa).  I have Wellmark Alliance Select BlueRx Preferred Iowa Governmental Health Care Plan.  Obesity Surgery is covered in my plan (page 38 in the manual).  I had to call U of I to preregister for my initial consultation last night.  The lady I spoke with said that my plan paid well and I should have no problem with it. Do you have a copy of your coverage manual?  If not, call the customer service number on your insurance card.  They are very friendly and helpful at Wellmark.  At least the ones I've dealt with.  Good luck. Karla

Thank you for your response, I had gone to the initial required seminar with my (hope to be) bariatric surgeon and had given them all of my insurance information then for them to check and make sure it would be covered, I didn't hear anything back stating it wasn't ... but didn't get a green light either so I am just a bit anxious I guess to find out, once I know that it's all covered I am ready to kick things into high gear! As you can tell I am in the just beginning stages of going through this, so I have tons of questions. :) Thank you for your helpfulness, I have emailed both wellmark as well as my HR Rep in Des Moines to find out if Bariatric Surgery is covered under my insurance plan.

Hey Jen..I was reading your post and even tho I really cant offer any advice about the insurance part, I did notice you are just starting out on this journey.  I'm not sure of your age but I'm 25 and am finally getting ready to get approved or denied again. *lol*  I just got my denial yesterday but I talked with my surgeon's office who told me that they will be calling my insurance next week on my behalf to hopefully get this straightened out.  Anyway, just wanted to let you know if you need anything or wanna talk, let me know! 

 

Tonya

Thank you Tonya I friended you :) I just really want to get this done soon ... I wish I could have done it when I was younger but didn't have the income or insurance to get things done then. Good luck to you! :)

The state of Iowa offers multiple plans ...  some of them cover MO and surgery, and some don't.    It looks like the indeminty plans cover it (program 3plus and deductible 3 ) .     If the one that you have doesn't cover it - you might want to switch plans on the next open enrollment period.  

Yeah I just found out the same thing Jody :( I have to wait till open enrollment before I can switch, do you know which of those 2 plans would be the best considering I carry coverage for my son as well? I picked the plan I have now because all of my premiums for myself and him as well are 100% paid for by the State.