Insurance

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.

I am pre-op, but I have Tricare - dh is retired USAF. They have been no problem and have paid everything except for the psychological testing - because I used one outside their coverage because I could get an appt quicker. I have had no problem with them at all. Thanks for asking! Arlies PS I have all my pre-op stuff done and am waiting on a date. and waiting...and waiting...and waiting....

I have Unicare - (American Life Care)of ms . They pay for the surgery is Medical necessary, well they said mine wasn't so I didn't get approved. I was told the first time that they didn't approve me cause of the length of the intestine that the doc. uses wasn't what they wanted to pay for, so I appealed it and changed doctors as well. Well they said I was denied now because it was not medically necessary, agian. I am over 100 pounds over weight, and have high blood pressure. along with weak ankles and a bad knee. Lower back pain., so I don't know where they got not medically necessary from. Haven't heard any thing form our main office about them changing the coverage, we just had open enrollment on Oct. 1,so it wasn't changed then.I haven't made up my mind in stone yet , so far I may not try to appeal. Just to much stress added when I'm waiting on them to determine if they will pay for it or not.