12 mos supervised diet / BCBS of ILL

Have any of you had to go through this with BCBS of ILL? Did anyone get around it due to health problems? If you read my profile you will see that I have been fighting for 7 months - whi*****luded finding another job with insurance to cover this. Now I have ran into this obstacle. I am really down and need any advice that you all can share. Beth M

From what I understand is that BCBS is now very strict on this requirement. I do not really think that you are going to be able to get around it. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Sorry, Doesn't look like it's going to any easier... www ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/living/10723316.htm

I spoke to you last week. My friend and I submitted our info at the same time to BCBS. Yesterday she called and she was denied! She has every problem on their list except diabetes and she has had a heart attack and all kinds of major problems. They told her she needed documentation of the 12 month diet!! They don't care if you are on your death bed, they just want everyone to jump thru all their hoops so they can deny more people! I called and they said mine was still in review, so I am still impatiently waiting! I will call again today! I'm sure I know the answer already! It's so crazy the way they are doing things! I'll let you know if I hear anything else about my request! Good luck and keep us posted! michelle

Michelle... Your SF, right? I did the surgery last year under State Farm Group Medical before the switch to BC/BS. Decided on the surgery in August, approved in September, and had surgery in October. Good thing I did it in 2004.

I'm in the Mid America reg. office, you are at corporate? You are right, it's a good thing you did it last year because they are making it much harder this year! It is a shame the way they are doing things now! We surley pay enough for our premiums that you think they would want to do this simple surgery to keep from all the other future problems that will cost them more! It just don't make sense to me! Just keep your fingers crossed for me! michelle

No advice here. I was DENIED just yesterday. They say I must have the 12 months yadda yadda. I am a little confused. According to their policy, you have to FAIL on a 12-month diet. So, here I start a 12 month plan and want to fail? What's up with that? Maybe we should try to diet together. You look very nice We can go out for ice cream after our Dr. appointments. That should help us fail.

You've got it Mitch. I went to see the doctor today. When she came into the room, I said "I need to be a documented failure. I have failed, but now I need to do it for 12 more months and have it documented." She was so surprised at how the medical policy was written. Just curious - do we work for the same company? Oh - one more thing.... can I add cool whip and nuts to my ice cream? Beth (In order to be a loser- I have to be a failure) Hmm no wonder we have to have a psych eval.

Nope, I don't work for your company. Cool Whip, nuts, chocolate sauce, whatever you want hon. With my help, I promise you will be a total failure. At last, something I am good at -- failing to lose weight.

Keep in touch!