Anthem (Blue Cross/Blue Sheild) Blue Access PPO?

Anyone have this plan and do you know if they cover gastric bypass? My employer just switched to them, and we have no information, no contract, no cards, nothing but a group number that was unknown by the Anthem rep when I called the 800 number my employer gave me...(talk about driving you nuts). How they can start employees on the insurance before having all their ducks in a row, is beyond me. We were told just to save our medical receipts for reimbursement if we have to see a doctor or get meds before they straighten it out!

Hi i want to let you know that I have the same ins. they do cover it as long as you have a BMI over 40 . I hope for your sake that your emplor did not put any exemptions i think that is what it is called. good luck i am still waiting... it has been a long journey so far. also you should be able to give them your S.S # and they can pull up your account and let you know....... take care, velvet

I had blue access ppo through my employer and the didn't cover any WLS as of Last May.  even went as far as excluding any hospitalization from any WLS complications if you paid for it yourself. from what I understand it all depends on what your employer has them include.  mine obviously didn't include WLS. good luck!

I have Empire BC/BS, which uses the Anthem network and claims facilities.  They do cover the surgery, and in fact, according to my provider, are one of the easier systems to work with.  But I do believe the person who said it depends on whether your employer decides to include it in their plan is right.  Sounds like you're in the middle of insurance he_l.  I'm sure many of us have been there.  Hang in.  Hopefully they'll get their act together and you'll be able to get the coverage you need. 

I have the federal employees BC/BS which is serviced by Anthem in our state.  They do generally provide coverage for the surgery, but you do need to check and make sure what your employer agreed to and what the provisions are for it.  I think it was odd that my coverage covers the surgery but won't pay for a nutritionist if you are overweight or with a BMI that registers as obese or more.   Janice

I have that same coverage, and was approved for lap band (didnt try for RNY) in less than 10 days.  You probably need to check if your employer has an exclusion against it.  My employer doesn't cover it, but my husband's does, so I am under his insurance.  Best of luck to you.

That is the coverage we have and I was approved for the DS in a couple of months and DH was approved in a couple of weeks.  That is pretty quick since the DS tends to be more difficult to get approved.  Employer exclusions can really make a HUGE difference, so you may have to ask.   Good Luck! Kimby

I'll need all the luck I can get, I know!