Question about Blue Cross Blue Shield of MO.........

Does Blue Cross require that you have a 6 month physician monitored weight loss program before being approved for surgery? I'm specifically looking at Blue Cross Blue Sheild of MO, but they could all be the same, I don't know. I'm currently with Cigna, but they don't cover the surgeon I want to go to, and also require a 6 month program before surgery. I have the opportunity to change to Blue Cross in November, they DO cover my surgeon and if they DON'T have the 6 month requirement, I will probably switch. Anyone have Blue Cross of MO?

Not all Blue Cross Blue Shield is the same. They have different policies. You would need to check in to the one you are thinking about before you change. I have heard some people say it pays and others say it doesn't. Hope this helps you. God Bless. Sky

Christy.. I have BCBS of MO and it does not pay a flipping dime for anything regarding bariatric treatment whether it is surgery or otherwise. They have an iron clad fight it all you want exclusion in the policy. I DO know that there are others out there that have BCBS policies but they are based out of other states (not in Missouri) and they had luck in gaining coverage although I don't know of the requirements. Sherry B who used to post here was one of them and I believe her BCBS policy was based in IL as she used to work for Daimler Chrysler. Before switching I would definitely MAKE SURE that there are no exclusions. That would be tragic, switching from one policy that would cover it even with jumping through hoops to going to another policy that wouldn't cover it regardless of what you did. I just don't want you to get caught in that nightmare sweetie... Please let us know what you find out! Elizabeth~