Question...???

Has anyone ever gotten approval from BC of Idaho with a diagnosis other than morbid obesity? for example, severe acid reflux, diabetes, hiatal hernia, etc.? Blue Cross told me that the doctor would have to submit it for something other than weight loss because it is an exclusion in my policy. But...I have already been denied for wls. Does that look funny? Thanks, Kelli

I work for a company that has a exclusion to not cover surgery because of my Employer. I am trying to purchase a BC/BS policy on my own and it says it will cover the surgery if medically necessary. Maybe you could check that out or your doctor could state it is medically necessary. I hope this helps. It is frustrating, if they only knew the money they would save in the long run by paying for the surgery. Let me know if you have success.

My husband has BC of Idaho and they have a specific written exclusion. Not only do I know this from calling them more than once, but also everyone that I have spoken to in the WLS field (docs, nurses, hospital staff) all acknowledge that BC of Idaho will NOT pay! HUMPH! It doesn't matter that my diabetes is difficult to control and leading me to kidney disease, back and joint problems, etc--they WON'T PAY! Winnie Spencer scheduled for surgery 8/28...and yeah, that's SELF PAY btw

I was with regence BS of Idaho. They had a strict exclusion. I went ahead with BC of Idaho. I was approved for insurance on July 1st, went my surgeon on july 5th, and approved within about 2 weeks. I thought I may not qualify because of my weight, but I did. I have medically recorded Sleep Apnea, mild depression, and recent but mild asthma and high bp. I was 232 at my surgical weigh in.

Wow, this is really good news! Too bad I've already self-paid for everything I am hoping my secondary insurance will pick it up, though--hee hee. We'll see. So Kristen, who did your surgery and how are you doing at about 4 or 5 weeks out?