Kasier in Salem, OR

Hi! I am new to this process, currently have BCBS, which does not cover WLS, and I want to switch to Kaiser, which does cover it. I would like to know if there is anyone out there from Salem that has had WLS thru Kaiser? I have a ton of questions, and would appreciate any help I can get. My insurance is thru PEBB, if that makes any difference. Thanks, Vikky

I used to have Kaiser insurance and someone at work that I know had their weight loss surgery through Kaiser. I had problems with them.....I did not meet their requirements because my BMI is under 50 and I have no known co-morbididies. From what I was told they have to be uncontrolled co-morbidies like diabetes, hypertension and such. They have a pretty length process it usually takes a year or more to get approval once you get the referral from your PCP. I ended up switching to BCBS federal which approved me in less than a week. I would say to research all your options and visit the insurance forum here. That's how I decided to make my insurance switch. Good luck!

Kaiser has a support group that is open to the public that meets the third thursday of each month at 6:30pm at the Skyline Clinic. Great place to meet others going through the process or who have already had the surgery. They will answer any questions, etc.