Anyone with Wellmark BCBS of Iowa?

Anyone with this insurer get approval for VSG?

I also have Wellmark BCBS of Iowa but have the Lap Band. I went through Mercy Center of Weight Loss and they helped me get approved and the program helped me with all the hoops that had to be jumped through before surgery.

Amanda

I have Wellmark BCBS of Iowa.    When I checked VSG was not covered... just band or bypass, but I realize they have mutliple plans and employers can choose options.   I chose bypass through Mercy in Des Moines.     I was approved on the first try.

I am going to attend a seminar next month and hope to have lapband asap!  What did you do (or not do) to get approved first try?  I thought they would require 6 months of weighing in with my local physician and all sorts of medical records.  I realize our health histories would be very different, but any information you have would be helpful.  Thank you!

I also have wellmark bc/bs of Iowa.   I had rny as my plan did not cover anything but the band or rny.    I had some trouble getting approved (denied first time), but then got approval.  

Yes I have BCBS of iowa and I have gone through all the hoops and I have one more or my last appointment and then surgery. Well worth jumping through the insurance hoops. Need help or questions email me at [email protected].

Bradford

VSG in currently not "covered" under my BCBS wellmark policy as it is considered investigational. However there are people on the VSG boards with other insurers who were in the same situation with it being considered investigational and they still got the VSG covered after appeals. Just to let you guys know that it is possible to fight for something else other than just the RNY or the band. At first I thought those would be my only options too but I've talked to people here who've had either the VSG and the DS approved when it was still considered investiagational for them too.
 
I just wanted to let you know because I never knew that fighting was even an option until recently. So if you really want something other than the RNY or the band please fight for it. The worst they can say is no. You can also get professional help with the appeals too.

I'm just so hoping to hear from some one whose actually accomplished this with Wellmart BCBS.