State Insurance Plan

Last month, I decided to go to a surgery seminar in Columbia because I was very interested in getting the surgery. When I was setting up an appointment for a consultation, I was told that the State did not cover anything to do with the surgery. I took the advice of several of the ladies on here and I emailed all of my representatives. Only one of my representatives sent me something other than the standard "we received your letter" response. My email was forwarded to a member of the SC House Ways and Means committee, telling me that I would get a response soon from the SC Employee Insurance Program. I received a letter today that explained the stance of the state on weight loss surgery. The letter said BC/BS dropped the policy because the complication rate was too high. It also stated that the BC/BS standard plan never covered the surgery - BC/BS only did for its employees prior to 2005. I was informed that I could switch to the MUSC Options package during open enrollment, which does cover the surgery. I am writing this because I remember the posts discussing insurance coverage. Maybe this will help someone else in the Lowcountry who is contemplating the surgery and is employed by the state (though this is probably old news). I'm glad to know that if I decide to go through with the surgery that I can switch plans next year and not quit my job.

VERY INTERESTING ... THANKS FOR THE INFO, MS CARMEN. I'VE READ ON SEVERAL BOARDS ABOUT THOSE W/ MUSC OPTIONS HAVING THE SURGERY. IT'S WONDERFUL THAT YOU HAVE THE OPTION OF CHANGING POLICIES! I ADDED YOU TO OUR SC WEIGHT LOSS LIST AS "GONE TO WLSurgery SEMINAR". SINCE YOU'RE IN SUMMERVILLE, WHY DON'T YOU JOIN US ON MONDAY AT OUR LOWCOUNTRY BYPASS BUDDIES SUPPORT GROUP MEETING, MS CARMEN? WE MEET AT NORTH TOWNE GRILL ACROSS FROM THE NORTHWOODS MALL BEHIND THE MOVIE THEATER MARQUE. WE'D LOVE TO MEET YOU & THERE ARE LADIES & GENTS IN EVERY STAGE OF THIS JOURNEY. SUPPORTIVE SPOUSES & FRIENDS ARE WELCOMED TO COME ALONG AS WELL. GOD BLESS DAWN & NICK

Hello Carmen.. The state plan did pay for the surgery up until last year... The stoped paying for it the beginning of last year...Althought they did drop coverage for the by-pass they have still payed for my plastic surgery's to remove the skin.. Which surprised me.... I am sorry you missed the time frame for the surgery.. Maybe it will work out for to change insurance and still be able to have it done.... I wish you luck in your journey... Brenda....

Hi Brenda--- Do they really still pay for loose skin surgery? I was told be someone that they don't. I am REALLY in need of reconstruc. surgery. Cheri

Carmen, Sorry it has taken me a while to get back to you. I have been sick with the flu, and not online in a while. I did however, forward your letter to the Senator who is helping us anyway he can, and to Dr. Byrne and to his program coordinator to ask them if there was anything I was missing or information that they had they could forward onto us. If I hear anything, I will let you know asap. Good Luck and take care, I will keep this covered in prayer as well, because when man cannot, God CAN! Take care, Email me if you have questions, I am learning as I go....all I can read and posts like yours help me a lot! Deborah Schueler PS, stick with the ObesityAction.org website, it will help