Calling NH State Employees - Will Anthem Cover WLS?

Hello NH Folks! I'm wondering if anyone knows whether state employees are going to have wls coverage when we go to Anthem BCBS on Jan 1?  I don't have an ID number yet so I can't use the website for information.  Someone suggested I contact the union.  But I wondered if anybody here knows.   I attended the informational meeting at Dartmouth-Hitch**** in Manchester today.  They tell me the first step is to contact my insurer to get a list of requirements.  Wel, I'd love to but ...  I can wait it out of course but I wondered if you might know.  Thanks so much, Treading

Hi - I'm not a state employee, but have bcbs coverage.  My company has a rider that provides the coverage for WLS.  I'm guessing the state would have to have that in order for it to be covered, but probably HR or bcbs could answer after you have your ID.

Hail and Well Met!   Thanks for responding.  Yes, I do understand that it depends upon the contracted benifits.  I'll wait for my ID and to contact Anthem directly.  I see you are with the Portsmouth Regional group.  I plan to attend the seminar there in Jan.  I like the fact that the surgeons are affiliated with and accredited by the ASBS.  Did this make a big diffrence in your choice of program/hospital?  I am trying to evaluate the importance I should place on a Center of Excellence hospital and so on.  Traveling to Boston for after care is a serious negative for me.  Actually, traveling far at all in any direction is a negative that I have to weigh against other factors.  Any words of wisdom are appreciated.  Thanks again- Treading

Treading,  I had my surgery in April 07 and chose to drive to Rhode Island because just back in April, there was no 'Center of Excellence" in either NH or Ma.  The 2 closest places were RI and Conn.  It made a difference to me!! I wanted someone who had proven success!  I didn't want to be part of a group that was just learning the ropes, so to speak.  Or someone who decided their way was better.  I have been attending the meeting here at PRH and am very impressed.  They follow much the same criteria that my dr does.  If I had to do it again...I would concider PRH program in a very serious way!!  Hope this helps, any questions, please ask!  Good luck!   Patti

Hi Patti-   Gosh, many thanks for sharing your experience.  I have been thinking PRH all along.  I have done research about their ASBS affiliation and the surgeons there are also accredited by ASBS - and that does count quite a lot to me.  But I want to vet the closer groups carefully before rejecting them and for a very specific reason - my back.  I have been dealing with significant spinal issues for a few years now.  I am post-op for 2 big surgeries.  Between the scans, injections, PT and trips to Boston for my neurosurgon, I am already fairly well maxed on travel and time out of work.   A trip to Portsmouth from home is 1hr 20 minutes at best.  That may not sound like much to many folks but for me it is a significant addition to my roster of medical travel.  I'm willing to do it but I need to know that I really want to do it first.     Hearing from people that they have had a good experience really helps.  I will be attending an informational meeting at CMC in Manchester and PRH in January.  I'm sure that one of the 3 programs will meet my needs.  Nice to meet you, Patti and thanks.  Treading

Hi Treading, A contact I have at BCBS New Hampshire checked into your question and indicated that indeed, WLS is covered under the new state employee plan.  Of course, you should still do your own due diligence regarding your personal coverage, but the response I received seems encouraging! Good luck and Happy New Year! Best regards, Grant Portsmouth Regional Hospital www.portsmouthhospital.com Parkland Medical Center www.parklandmedicalcenter.com

Thanks again, Grant!    I called Anthem the second I received my ID number and learned, just as you say, that my coverage for WLS is quite good.  I think.  At least, I am a 'go' so far as trying for approval though my docs have been assuring me there would be little question.  So, my next step is to attend the meeting on Jan 10th.  Thanks again, Treading