Anyone have BCBS of OK?

Hi. I live in TN but just got a job at Independent Opportunities Inc. (based out of OK) which has insurance through BCBS of OK. I have not completed my 90 days probation yet so I don't have the insurance info. I am curious if anyone else out there has this insurance and if so, does it cover WLS or does it have an exclusion to WLS? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Tammy, Don't know if this will be much help but I have BCBS. It does cover the open RNY, or so that is what they are telling me. They do not approve the LAPP Band right now because it is still investigational in their books, and it is up for medical review in JAN of 2006. So far everything I've had done has been covered. I'm still awaiting the approval from them to set a surgery date though. I hope this helps some......Heather

Hi Heather! Thank you so much for responding to my post. It is great news to hear that BCBS of OK will cover the RNY. I don't care if it is open or not (would prefer lap but will settle for open). I am afraid to get my hopes up though because I have been let down so many times before with BCBS of TN. They have an exclusion to any type of WLS. I think I will call my HR person in the Tulsa office to see if she can send me a copy of the insurance booklet (explanation of benefits) even though I will not be eligible for insurance for 90 days. May I ask if you work for the state or federal govt? Or do you work for a large or small company? Here in TN, our state employees have BCBS and they have a large group policy so WLS is covered for them. However, my other job, is a small company and we have a small group policy and they do not cover the surgery. So I am hoping that with this new job at Independent Opportunities, that there's will cover it because they are a large company. Thanks again and good luck with your surgery. Tammy

Tammy, My company is with THI of Baltimore. They own a small nationwide group of hospitals. I don't work for the state or fed. gov. We are individual small facilities. I think you may find yourself having better luck than you think. I'll add you to my prayer list, and hope that all goes well for you. Thank you for the reply.

Well, I found out that the policy has an exclusion to weight loss surgery... My husband also just got a new job with BCBS insurance and they also have an exclusion. I seem to run into dead ends everytime I think I might have a chance at getting weight loss surgery. I guess it's just not my time and I have to accept that, but boy it is discouraging. Oh well. Just thought I'd let you know. Thanks for listening. Tammy

Hi Tammy! I have BCBS of OK. I had Dr. Floyd do my RNY on October 6th 2005. I stayed 2 1/2 days in the hospital. Total hospital cost out of MY pocket was $100. My total bill came to a bit over $34,000. My total out of pocket was less then $300, and ALL bills were paid by BCBS. Their only requirement for me was 100# overweight. I had diabetes, sleep apnea & several other problems. I was thrilled with the surgery, and more thrilled they paid what they did! Now, when I first went, they said they would only cover the open RNY. Dr. Floyd did the Lap RNY and they covered it with no problems. If Kenny says he is going to get something done, he does it. He's awesome!!!!! 6 weeks out, I've lost 50 pounds and feel wonderful! I hope all works out well for you. If you have any more questions, or would just like to chat, feel free to email me!

Congratulations on your weight loss Reva! That's awesome. Unfortunately, I will not be having the surgery right now. I found out my policy has an exclusion. Oh well. Maybe next time. Take care and keep up the good work. Tammy