Switching Insurance Companies

My husband brought home papers from work last week....they are switching insurance companies. We currently have United HealthCare and they will not cover WLS. I would look in my handbook for any exclusions and such...but I never got one, even after many many times asking for one. Anyways, they are now looking into going with either WPS or Blue Cross Blue Shield. I've been looking around on the insurance forum and it looks like a majority of the time both of them ins. co. WILL pay.....I'm wondering if anyone here had an experience with WPS or BCBS???? Any input would be great.  I'm waiting to send in my initial paperwork to the surgeon until insurance switches over(June 1st).  Thanks!! Tara

I have WPS state plan and WLS is covered. HOWEVER - WPS can be quite tricky with what they cover, when they cover it, etc. I had to purchase the most expensive plan in order to get the surgery covered. Cheaper plans did NOT cover the surgery. I would recommend finding out exactly what plan is a possibility and then going online and reading the handbook.  BEST of luck to you!!

Hi Tara! I have BCBS and unfortunately my surgery isn't covered. Although BCBS covers the surgery the company the insurance is thru (my husband's office) does not include any obesity related procedures. BCBS says it just varies and depends on what each company has negotiated with their insurance plan. I have read many BCBS stories on the Insurace info boards that are positive. I hope that everything works out for you and that we'll be reading your success story soon!!! Jamille

Hi Tara,  I have the WPS standard plan through the state and my lap RNY is covered. I switched from UHC as well. WPS, I have found, is very easy to work with. You can call them up and they will send you the exact requirements for WLS even if you are not a member yet. I worked with Joan Anderson at WPS to get my surgery covered and she was WONDERFUL... but unfortunately, she recently moved to a different department. But I had no problems with them whatsoever!

Thanks for all your replies. It seems pretty split with each insurance company. Hopefully I'll know Tues. or Wed. which company they are going with since the new insurance is supposed to take effect on Friday. I hate not knowing ahead of time.  I am going to call WPS on Tuesday and see what they can tell me.  Thanks again Tara