BCBSIL and getting approval - what's the secret???

Earl retired on disability from Overnite Transp. in 2004, but Overnite was purchased by UPS in  2005. Earl was a OTR Driver.  Earl is on Medicare & Aetna and because of my age (52) I am on BCBSIL POS. The only prob we have w/ medco is the price of Earl's Enbrel so we get it thru the VA. his one script  some come broken tabs in the bottle.  But otherwise ok.  Hugs, Paulette

What a small, small world!  I used to work for Overnite here in West Sacramento.  Now I am at USF Reddaway.  I have been here over 8 years now.  Back then Overnite would not give me benefits although I worked 40+ hours.
My husband is a truck driver as well!

Hey Jenn, lots of things in common LOL!  My husband went out on LTD in 2003 due to RA, he couldn't get up into the truck anymore, has since had 2 hips & 2 knee replacements.  We lived in San Diego when we were first married and Earl was in USMC.  His handle is Coffeeman hence why I am coffeemate!  Paulette

Wow!  We do!  I love your handle/nick names!  Very cute.
I was a biller at Overnite.  I was there about 4 years.  I had my 2 girls and being a single Mom I needed the benefits so I went over to USF Reddaway where I have been for about 8 1/2 years doing the payroll.  My husband works there as well as a city driver.
My Father had owned a Trucking Company growing up.  We have a large family, 9 girls and 2 boys....needless to say we learned how to type freight bills and statements very early!  My brother's and bother in-laws were and some still are drivers.
Must be in my blood!!!

I think in runs in families too,. Earl's mom's family were all truckers, logging actually. Even as young as 16 his mom drove the trucks with the huge logs on them in Michigan. We have pictures of her.

I see you have a bad back too.  I have an unstable fracture that needs a 2 level fusion, they can;t do until I loose the belly, hence the need for wls and TT after, then finally back surgery and some relief. I wonder if the nerves in the legs will come backl though. My left foot is 3/4 numb. Paulette

Nancy G.
I also have Cigna through the State of Illinois... I wonder if my insurance requirements are identical to yours?  I am just looking into the LapBand procedure and I have multiple medical issues that would qualify me... I did Seattle Sutton for a year but not doctor overseen....
Of course I have dieted and excersised (sp?) for years like all of you have.....

Thanks... I am a brand new member so I hope I didn't violate any rules or manners!!! 

I am sorry you are having such a hard time Jeni.... I hope you have gotten some good advise you can use...

Kathy

Welcome Kathy,  New members are always welcome, Join in on the daily roll call so we can get to know you and you can get to know us.  Paulette

All these posts about BCBS IL.....geesh I am so glad my insurance changed...
I have BCBS EPO which is EMpire BCBS...I talked to my caseworker there and my surgeon faxed her the request and she faxed the approval back the same day.


I wonder why they give everyone such a hard time..

Hello there!

I can relate! I have met all the requirements, however BCBS IL is saying that I need 6 months of supervised weight management! It's insane!!!!!!!!!!! It feels like forever. My doctors office has not put the request for approval in to BCBS yet because I told them about this 6 month ridiculous requirement.

Just a tip....

You can find all the sugergy requirements for BCBSIL on the BCBSIL.com website! EVerything is in writing and it has helped me to make sure I get everything in place.

www.bcbsil.com

- Click on "Providers" tab

- Under "Provider Library" click on the 12th bullet point "Medical Policies"

- If you agree to the terms, click "I agree"

- In the Search box to the left, type in "Morbid Obesity SUrgery" and then click on the link for it

- and tada! All the requirements will display!

Hope this helps somewhat!!!! good luck to both of us!!!