Blue Care Network/State of MI..question

I'll be finding out the answer soon, but I'm interested to know if anyone else with my type of insurance had to go on a doctor supervised weightloss BEFORE the insurance would approve surgery, and if so, for how long?

My husband is employed by the State of MI(Corrections) and we have Blue Care Network (HMO).

Dawn

HI there. I have the same insurance, and yes they wanted 6 months of supervised diets. Luckily I did Weigh****chers and was able to turn in my logs from them. If you've been to your PCP every month and they have weighed you for a few months in a row, you can use that as well. (with a note from your doctor saying he was monitoring you). Good Luck.

The current medical policy states 6 months supervised and is waived if your BMI is over 50. Make sure that it's documented every month if you have to go that route.

Thanks for the info ladies. My BMI is over 50, so hopefully you're correct and it will be waived. I called BCN a few days ago, just waiting for information packet to arrive (regarding bariatric surgery).

Thanks so much...

Dawn

I have BCN and my husband and I both had VSG in Dec.  Both of our BMI's were over 50 and there was nothing special we needed to do.  In fact we didn't have any comorbids either.  The only thing we had to pay out of pocket was the Psych eval at 50% and then the food and the package costs of the surgeon not covered under ins.

best of luck to you!

Robin

Thanks a bunch for the information Robin. I was getting a little depressed thinking I'd have to do 6 mths or more of supervised diet before the surgery. I'm impatient, and just want to get it done and begin my 'life after surgery'.

May I ask you about how much money you had to put out that wasn't covered by insurance? With tax season upon us, my husband said we'll definitely have money coming back and we'll set that aside for whatever costs arise.

I see you had Dr. Kemmeter. My family doc is referring me to him also.

Dawn

I am so glad I came on tonight! I have the same insurance(and also work for the state) and I'm just starting to get all my information together.  My BMI is over 50, but my PCP doesn't want to give me a referral.  I did call the insurance company and they are sending the packet,but they did tell me that i have to go through a center of excellance.  She only listed four centers and two are across the state.

Kristin