Insurancce

As many of you have heard a number of insurance carriers are threatening to, or have already stopped paying for gastric bypass surgery. Because Blue Cross Blue Shield has so much of the health insurance market in Alabama we seem to hear more about Blue Cross than other carriers. Blue Cross is now implementing a new medical policy that would make it difficult for many people to be approved for surgery. I have also heard that Blue Cross and Blue Shield in some other states is no longer covering gastric bypass surgery. (Georgia & Florida) Those of you (like me) who have had the surgery, know first hand the tremendous health benefits we have received following gastric bypass surgery, and it concerns me greatly that many people will no longer have the health insurance coverage which will allow them to experience the same health improvements we have experienced. I would be interested in hearing from you regarding your experience with you insurance carrier. Who is your carrier? Does your carrier cover gastric bypass surgery? Does your carrier plan to stop covering gastric bypass surgery? Was it difficult to get your carrier to approve your gastric bypass surgery? We should have a voice in the decisions that these companies are making! I believe it is time that we take a stand in what we believe! Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond to this important matter. Skinny Wishes and May God continue to bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey. Becky PS I apologize in advance if this shows up repeatedly for I am going to be posting this on all boards.

Hi Becky, I am Marilyn from New Orleans area. I am having surgery Nov.23, 2004. I was approved fast, but today I got a letter stating they will no longer cover this type of surgery, or any other due to obeseity. I too am sad about this . I have Oscher-Humana insurance. Well, I wish to say you are correct in saying we should have a say. How dare they do this, if only they would know first hand how hard it is for us to loose weight, especially those of us that have underlying illness that won't allow us to move without such pain that every day is one from Hell. I know they will save money in the long run, but now they want to show their strong arm tactics. Go figure, something so helpful, they decline to pay. We should be able to talk to our Law Makers to help, but will they? Please let us know if we can all do anything to help change the minds of Insurance Companies. Sincerely, Marilyn Giroir

I am afraid I am going to be one of the first victims of this change. I found out that my current insurance pays for the surgery, but I am moving late november out of state. I found out my new insurance covers the surgery, but they don't know if it still will in Jan. I am truly devastated to hear this. Does anyone think there is any chance that I might be able to get anything done between Dec 6th (new policy goes into effect) and the end of the year. It's only three weeks. I really don't know which way to turn. I might be able to get a referal from my Dr. as I am moving back to my hometown, and have a history with the dr there. Will that help any? How much time is involved before the Dr. files for approval? Do they or will they file while you're undergoing all the testing? I would love to hear from anyone who has been thru the process and knows how long it all takes. Thanks Fran