Reagence BlueShield of Idaho

Hello All, I am just starting this whole process and I find that I am already discouraged. I have done some research only to find that nobody living in Idaho and being insured by Regence BS has yet been approved for WLS. Is this what others have found also? If so, then I have no chance with WLS due to financial reasons. I hope I hear from at least just one person who has gained approval...

Is it through your employer or the state?

Through my employer....

Sigh...yeah I couldn't find any under employers that have approved either Do you know if your employer bought the rider for it or it's excluded?

I called RBS and the gal said it was a written exclusion...I don't know what a rider is or if my employer bought it...... to top all this off i work for a hospital!!!!

A rider is just a portion of the policy that an employer opts into or out of when contracting insurance for thier employees. IF they don't buy a rider to cover bariatrics, then it's excluded. I've never seen anyone fight and win against that I'm very sorry. Have you considered financing? Some food for thought anyway... Links for financing sites: http://www.medicredit.com/ http://www.p-f-s.com/ http://www.cogentfinancialgroup.com/ http://www.thfusa.com/?d=041805CA http://www.mymedicalfinancing.com http://www.surgeryloans.com

I work for an employer who also has an exclusion in our insurance, we have BC/BS. I have talked to other people on this website locally that have purchased a health inurance policy on there own thru BC/BS and have been accepted. I am trying this route myself, it says it is excluded unless medically necessary. I am hoping with the right doctor and his nurse, Doctor Oakley, that they can write it up to say it is medically necessary. THis is my last hope as well. Good luck!! let me know if you have success as well. Thanks.

Mine was not approved unless medically necessary, well my docs wrote letters stating that it was VERY medically necessary and that without surgery I may very well die within the next couple years, the insurance companys response to this was something like "Well the appeals process can take up to two years and with you doctors stating that you might not make it that long you might want to go another route for this surgery" HOLY FREAKIN' CRAP!!!! Yes they actually said that to me... sad, yes but I went to Mexico and wouldn't have it any other way... Good luck - Jeremy www.myspace.com/jferch

I was pretty much a self-pay. My Blue Cross policy paid $5000 max. Don't give up... the surgery is worth it whether you have to scrimp and make payment for the rest of your life or if your insurance covers it for you. Don't let the insurance stop you...if there's a will, you'll find a way.

My blue cross has the exclusion spelled out in the policy. I was self pay, it was around 20K but my husband and I both agree it's the best money we ever spent. it has given us "me" back.