Insurance - Out of state

Anyone have BCBS of CA (now Anthem) but reside in a state other than CA? If so were you required to have 6 months documented non-surgical weight loss attempts? I went to my first appointment today (been waiting since January), only to be told since I have "out of state insurance" (I live in North Carolina and my insurance BCBS of CA)  I would have to have the documentation. 
~Jennifer

The only way you would need the documentation is if your insurance requires. It doesn't matter what state you live in. So if it's in the policy that they need the a 6 month documented diet then yes you will need it if they don't no your doctor's office can not make you do it unless it's a requirement to apart of their program.  Good Luck!

THOSE INSURANCE issues can be confusing. I had BCBS of Georgia...but also live in NC.  I can tell you this....it doesn't matter where the insurance company is located if you have the insurance through your employer in NC.  Although the BCBS vary with requirements, it really depends on your own policy.  I had BCBS of IL at first. They required a 6 month physician supervised diet.  My insurance changed...to BCBS of GA, and they did not require the 6 months.  I would suggest calling your  insurance company yourself and ask if gastric bypass is a covered surgery, what the requirements are, etc.   Make sure not to forget to get the person's name you talked to and a call reference number if they have one.  Trust me....you may need it.  People at insurance companies--(no offense to any employees) tend to get amnesia when the rubber meets the road.

 

 

I hope this helps.

I called the insurance company 4 times to try to get the medical policy to no avail. Finally I called the utilization managment department and got what I needed. The insurance does require 6 months supervised weight loss plan. Anyone know how detailed the doctor's notes need to be? ~ Jennifer

My Understanding is if your Doctor has been working with you on any weight loss plan it should work. Because your Doctor should have had you coming back on a monthly visit or at least a 2 month visit for him or her to log your progress . At least that is how mine worked . (BCBS MS)