Insurance

I am in the process of getting a new insurance. I'm also hoping to get the lap band soon. I'd really appreciate it if any of you let me know what insurance company paid for the band in full, what their policy said and how many things did they have to do before getting approved for the surgeory. I heard some will ask you for 6 months of monitored diet and some will ask for up to a year. Also heard some are easier to approve than others and will only ask for one consult. I am 35.5 BMI and I have sleep apnea and back pain but they're not documented.

Any info would be really useful. Just tell me your insurance experience??? Thanks

Hi,  I have Highmark/Blue Cross/Blue Shield and am having my surgery soon at Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.  They require you to report each month to the Bearatric Unit for a meeting to complete a module, get weighed in and turn in a monthly food/activity log.  It's really not bad at all.  I'll be completing my 6 month in April.  After 4th meeting you'll be asked to choose your surgeon and make an appointment to meet with him/her.  Then after the 5th meeting you are scheduled for the Nutritionist meeting and the Psychological Evaluation along with all the Pre-Op test that have to be done (Upper Gi, Colonoscopy, EKG and Blood Tests.  Amazingly, it has gone by rather quickly.  I have lost almost 14 pounds so far and can't wait for my surgery to be scheduled.   Good luck!!

I work for a Fortune 500 company, and have United Healthcare Insurance.

My company DOES NOT offer Bariatric treatment -- even though other employers who offer UHC do.

It not only depends on the Insurance company, but on the level of coverage your particular employer offers.

You need to read specifically about YOUR employers policy -- ask your Human Resources representative if you have any questions or contact the insurance company directly.