Insurance

I am new to the board & I am thinking of having the gastric bypass. However I do not have insurance at this time..I have been looking at different companies on line..UHC-BCBS
Do you have any suggestions or any input about who would approve the surgery?
The easiest?  I haven't been to a doctor in a while BC I don't have insurance.What would the requirements be?

Thanks for any information...

The requirements are normally based on the insurance company and their policy, which can vary.

I can speak about BCBSNC since that is what I have.  Here is a copy of their Corporate Medical Policy on Surgery for Morbid Obesity and this is the list of their Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence. 

If you end up with BCBSNC, it's best to choose a clinic from this list.  Not only because they have proven to extend outstanding care to their patients, but also because the surgeon is given the power to approve your surgical insurance coverage automatically on the day you meet with him...no waiting for the insurance company's later approval. 

I'm still crossing hurdles toward RNY myself, but that is what I know thus far about my insurance coverage through BCBSNC.  I hope it helps!

OH!  And regarding medical records...  The gal at the clinic I am going to says they have to receive 5 years of complete medical records, no matter how far back you have to go in order to produce them.  So, it doesn't have to be 2003-2008...just 5 years total.  Hope that makes sense!

At one time I had Blue Cross Blue shields where you buy from a independent insurance. Example I had 6 months BLue cross and had this thru NC farm Bureau.  Unfortunately these policies do not normally cover the by pass or lap band surgery. When I checked into it Blue Cross only covered basic MD visits and hospital stays.

SO please check into that before you sign a contract with them if the only reason you are getting the insurance is for the gastric surgery.

If you are working and you are choosing between the two I would definetly choose Blue Cross. My father is a truck driver and unfortunately they changed insurance companies to United Health Care and it is a pain. A lot of doctors offices will not take United Health Care because they have such a hard time getting reimbursement back.  They do not cover medications like Blue Cross Blue Shields.  Some companies can exclude certain benefits. Example pregnacy.

I hope this helps.

Tamara

BCBS for sure!  They definately cover way more than any other insurance, and they definately cover the surgery, all you have to do is get your 5 year weight history and have a BMI of 40 or above or be 100 lbs overweight.    It doesnt even take but a few days to get approved!  Good luck!

But do you have a individual plan or with your job?
now I'm getting discourage BC I don't think I can afford it.

Well, I have United Healthcare through my job, and since I am 21 I am still under my dad's insurance.  I would hate to have to get insurance without it being through a job, and it is $100 more for me if I didnt have it through the job, but you do what you have to do.  Medicaid does surgery.