BC/BS of AZ? Anyone have them and got approved?

Can you tell me a little bit about your experience if you had a hard time getting approved? Did they require a 6 month dr supervised weight loss program? I have BC/BS of az- just got it actually. They are trying to tell me that my obesity is a pre-existing condition. That even though I have NOT spoke with a doctor in over 2 years about my weight and that even though I have not even been to a doctor in more than 6 months that it's considered pre-existing and I have to wait an entire year to even be considered. I don't think this seems right at all. I thought pre-existing was something that meant you had been treated for an illness or condition within the last 6 months or a year for some insurances. I was so excited reading everyone's experiences- and I just knew that this is what I NEED to be ok in life. I want this more than I have wanted anything and I am so discouraged. I keep getting different answers at my insurance help line. One person says yes, one person says no.  Anyways- thanks for reading my little temper tantrum and hopefully someone can give me insight.  Thanks, Nicole

Hi! Sorry to hear about your situation.  Did you have coverage prior to BCBS? Usually if you have had continuous coverage and it's the first time your doctor is DX you with obesity within (whatever your companies pre-existing allotment is) it should not hold. If you had prior coverage ask your previous insurance comapny to send a HIPPA cert. Also find out what BCBS pre-existing standards are.  I have Cigna and this is just from their stand point but I think the process of PCL is generally the same.

I have BCBS of New York... but from what I heard from people I know is that all of the BCBS are pretty similar.  I was required to have 6 months of doctor supervised diet, letter of medical necessity, documentation of prior attempts of weight loss (jenny craig, weigh****chers, medications including meridia) and pretty much any documentation from any doctor that advised you that you needed to lose weight... I had documentation from a pain specialist and an OB-GYN.   I would definately get yourself started with a primary care physican that is Weight Loss Surgery friendly.  My PCP has been extremely supportive through the process and fought tooth and nail for me to get approved.  She wrote a wonderful letter and provided excellent documentation.   I would also get some clarification from the insurance company... maybe ask to speak to a supervisor or check out if they have a website and get that information in writing. Good Luck to you! ~Nicole

I have BC/BS of AZ. I am not yet approved, still trying to get all necessary documentation. For me, I have to prove MO for 5 years, 6 month supervised diet, two letters of necessity, a psych evaluation and I have had to been on this insurance plan for at least 2 years. I think it may vary depending on which plan your employer goes with, but for me that's what I have to have.

Great question, i'm curious of the same thing. I currently have Trustmark/AZ foundation, but it is changing to BCBS - AZ July 1st. I am trying to be approved for a lapband. I have just begin my process with the doctoring and stuff. I knew what Trustmark needed and it was doable, so now I don't know what to expect from bcbs =o( Kinda worries me. So I was curious to know the same. What all they required and how long they took to get approval if approval was even given. I'm almost wondering if it would be easier to try to finance it myself, just to get the ball rolling. Who knows what the right answer is. If you find anything more out keep us posted. I will call once July 1st comes. But until then I am meeting with my surgeon for a consult! good luck!