BCBS help!

I would like to hear from those who have recently had the surgery or been approved with BCBS. Was it difficult to get approved? Do they still cover it? THanks Donna

I think I missed it but were you referring to WLS or PS Donna? I applied to BCBS for WLS but this was back in 2001-2002, "before" they figured out they'd go broke if they fixed all us fatties....LOL . Now days, getting approval for anything is much tougher but not impossible. For the Plastics part, I lost under 100# total so my application for a TT/LBL was flat out denied. I applied twice and both those attempts were denied. When it got to the "hiring an attorney" stage.....I fortunately came across an American gal who had recently moved her family to Brazil to live with her husbands family. I followed her story for a couple years and eventually met her (in Brazil), used her doctor for plastics, andnow I go to Brazil twice per year (if I can) for plastics. WLS where I go costs $10,000 and it's done Laprascopically. Tummy Tucks/LBL are $3,800......heck, my entire Face Lift (inc. Hair transplant, Upper and lower lids, and Ear Pinning, etc.) was right at $5000. I've started a Yahoo Group for people interested in this. I also offer (people who want it) trips to go when I go. The Yahoo Group you can find by searching groups for medicaltourism-brazil. Look in the Files section for a general idea on prices or you can go right to the Concierge's Website www.medservicesbrazil.com and see all the information there. Hope this helps someone. Peggy in Belle Plaine, IA [email protected]

Donna, It depends entirely on which plan you have and even what BCBS you have. I've heard absolute horror stories about BCBS of IL. My friend's insurance in MO excludes 100% of anything weightloss related. I have BCBS of IA and was approved in days. Mine had three main points/criteria that I had to meet - what does your plan say? Amy

I have BCBS Alliance Select and they were quick to approve me (BMI of 41 pre surgery) but I had to have 2 years supervised weight loss. My surgery was 6 months ago. Good Luck!! Nancy 273/188/???

Hi Donna, As for supervised weight loss, I had used phen/fen (sp), and my chiropractor documented a weight loss plan for me and went back 2 years. You can also use Weigh****chers or simiular types of programs. Hope that helps... Nancy

I have BCBS Blue Advantage and they totally exclude everything weight loss related. I'm doing my 6 month dr supervised diet right now and will be switching to a different plan next year.

Donna, I have BCBS BlueAccess. From day 1 which was Jan 29, 05(Lecture) to the day I was released from hospital(after surgery) was 4 months exactly. It seemed like it went so fast. Unlike my ins before(Coventry) that was a flat no way. But, my husbands company switched ins co, and I got ins thru my work. My bcbs covered all but $800 of it. I hope you get approved soon. It is so much better to be on the losing side. Good Luck Deb

I have BCBS of IL. It is the nightmare to fear, but I'm still fighting for WLS. I'm back in review for the third time. Been at this for 6 months. I want this so much - I want a life. I feel like I'm being held hostage.