Anyone have Anthem as insurer?

Hi! I have a friend that is interested in having WLS and her insurer is Anthem. Do they cover this surgery and if so is it a difficult process? Thanks for any info that you can provide. Jen Gerold Lap Roux-en-Y 1-13-2004 91 pounds lost

Jen, Anthem does cover the surgery. Your friend needs to call her benefit number and see if it there are any exclusions for WLS. Good luck, Dr. C The Deaconess Surgical Weight Loss Center Cincinnati, Ohio

Anthem covered my entire procedure less the $250 co-pay based on the fact that I was over 100 lbs. overweight and had diagnosed sleep apnea. I found the policy statement on Anthem's website that showed under what conditions they would cover it, then had to submit a diet history.

Depends on what Anthem policy you have. Anthem Federal BCBS approved me for RNY but denied me for Lap Band. I am in the process of appealing. Will post when they make a decision.

I have Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, they approved me in a day and 1/2! They covered all but $250.00. Lynn RNY 7-7-03 125 down

I have Anthem BC/BS PPO through my husband's employer and they denied the surgery although I am over 100# overweight and have co-morbid conditions. I appealed their decision and lost on the appeal as anything to do with weight loss is an exclusion to our policy. I am having the sugery on June 23rd and am paying for it myself.