Regence BCBS of Oregon

Hi yall. My name is Holly and I live in Texas, but I am an employee of Knowledge Learning Corp. (KinderCare). We have BCBS of Oregon insurance. I was wondering if anyone that might have the same insurance and possibly works for the same company has had any success with approval for WLS. Lap-Band or RNY. Thank you!

I don't know about recently but I've been told that Regence is notorious for NOT covering any type of WLS -- to the point that they don't even offer a rider for this to be an option for a company to purchase! My husband works in Oregon but had BC/BS of Pennsylvania that DID cover my surgery. Anyone else have a comment?

Hi Holly, I have Regence BCBS of OR and had my lap-rny on 4-25-06. It took about a year to get all of the necessary things together but I worked hard on it. Each plan is actually different. It all depends on the plan that your company purchases. The best thing to do is check with the insurance company themselves, go to your primary care doctor and let them know what you want to do. The primary care doctor can also find out what is needed to get the procedure done. I do know that this insurance does not cover the Lap-band. From the explanation that I received is..."It can be permanent or temporary. Because the band can be removed we prefer to not cover the costs of all of the follow-ups and revisions. With the rny, the chances of having a revision are lower." Good luck with your search and let me know if you have any other questions! --darcy post op 42 days and -47lbs

I work for the state of Oregon and we have Regence BCBS of Oregon. They just started doing the RNY the first of January. There has still be rocks in my way. My PCP wanted me to go to OSHU for the surgery and they aren't in the Circle of Excellance and so I had to start all over with Legacy but I have made it to waiting for the insurance to give the okay which the people in the office said that it shouldn't be a problem and then schedule my date. I really didn't have that many hassles and I am really glad that I went with the way that did. I am getting so excited to be getting close to the other side. Sonya

What is the Circle of Excellance? Is there a list somewhere that identifies who this is? I am wondering about St. Chalres in Bend. I work for a County and we have Regence BCBS Thanks for the information Jeanne

This might help. The February 21, 2006 Medicare decision statement regarding bariatric surgical treatments for morbid obesity can be found at http://www.surgicalreview.org/medicare.html For a description of the review process, see http://www.surgicalreview.org/centers.html A listing of currently approved Center of Excellence facilities can be found at http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.html ~Tooter OH Staff