Does BCBSIL cover the Gastric Bypass?...

I'm a new employee of TDS here in the Madison area, and It is open enrollment. I was wondering if anyone knows if BCBS of IL PPO cover this procedure. I would like to know upfront before I waste my time again with another employer and insurance company, only for it to be not covered due to some written exclusion clause. I have been down this rode so many times before. I currently have coverage, which does not cover the procedure, under my wifes plan and the only way I would elect it is if I can finally get this procedure fulfilled.

Chris - I would call the company directly. Your HR department should be able to give you the info and which route to go. Gala

I had BCBSIL last year, and their requirements were that I follow a doctor supervised weight loss plan for 12 months out of the past 24. My understanding is that that is one checkup per calendar month (not just 30 days apart or so on) seeing a PCP doctor or nutritionist for the sole purpose of weight loss. Meaning, no talking about any other problems not weight related, no trying to get something else taken care of with your monthly checkup. Another catch is, they don't cover nutritionist visits. But this may have all changed. So I would contact them like the previous person suggested to make sure you're up to date on their policy (they changed rules midway through my process from no requirements to the 12 months thing.)