Kaiser Ohio?

Hi all.. My husband is getting new insurance on 1/1/8.  Kaiser of Ohio.   I want to get him banded this year.. (as I was banded in December 2006) Anyone know anything about the coverage or what hoops will need to be jumped?  I tried to call them, but the first girl told me it wasn't covered at all.. so I did what I always do, and called back and got another lady..  she said it WAS covered with all the usual qualifications. So I called St Vincent and am waiting for a call back. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks Amanda

Amanda, Not to be rude or strange, but wouldn't it be up to your husband to want to get banded, not you?  :-)

It is up to him.. I just do all the leg work like insurance issues..  he wants the band.. he knows how well it is working for me.. so he wants the same.. he just doesn't do the paperwork.

Hi Amanda,  I also have Kaiser insurance and the band is covered as long as you have a high BMI (not sure exactly what the number was) but you do not need any co-morbidities.  They do require that you go through 6 months of an assisted diet with a dietician and lose 10% of your weight before surgery (if you dont i think they just put you on the opti-fast diet for 2 weeks) They also require a mental health evaluation, a 45 minute phone interview with a bariatric case worker etc etc.  If you would like all the info feel free to write me and I can give you everything, I dont have the papers with me at this moment though - but i have a sheet that says ALL the requirements in order to get the surgery.  But YES they do cover it! TTYSoon Amanda

ALSO - your best bet is to just go ahead and schedule a dietician appt and let them know you are interested in the Lapband and that will get the ball rolling... So Far So Good for me! Thanks, Amanda