Insurance Help.

I just had my first appointment with my surgeon, Dr. William Chapman in Greenville NC yesterday.  It went very well, he said I was a good candidate for the surgery except for one huge problem.  My work insurance does not pay for the surgery.  My work insurance (even though it is BCBSNC) had opted out of covering the surgery.

Needless to say I was devistated, so now I need to find an insurance that WILL pay for it, or else I cannot get the surgery despite my need.  I tried to sign up for BCBSNC regular (not through work) but was denied do to 'pre exsisting conditions.'  I am curious what insurances other people here had, and if you got it before or after your first appointment.

Also, some tips and advice would be greatly appreciated.

~Jess

Hi Jess,

Many of the insurance companies have coverage for WLS, but it depends on the particular policy. I had United HealthCare and they cover it. BCBSNC covers if you don't have a specific exclusion, but that is the case for most. 

I would suggest that you consider cross-posting this to the Main and Insurance forums, and maybe the one for the surgery you are seeking to see if others have experience with your issue. Sometimes casting a wider net yeilds more responses.

Please do not lose hope. I know that my husband's insurance carrier initially told us that there was a specific exclusion for his surgery and later we found that there wasn't. Ask for a copy of the benefits that articulate the exclusion. 

Wishing you all the best,

Hey Jess,

Insurance companies are sometimes hard to deal with.  I've got BCBSNC and I'm self employeed.  I buy my own insurance, its expensive however I get to pick and choose what I want in my policies.  I had no problem with any pre existing conditions or a waiting period.  If you can afford it you can check into BCBSNC.  I went through Jake Parrott Insurance in Kinston.  I do not work for them so don't think I'm trying to sale insurance.  They just new how to get me what I needed.  Good Luck. 

Deborah