BCBS HMO or PPO?

Hi all. I have a question. My husband ins beginning a new job in July and we will have BCBS insurance. I see many of you getting approvals through them and then some that do not. My old insurance was alliant and I never could get approved. I'm praying it will be different with BCBS. Can you tell me if it seems to make a difference whether it is a PPO or an HMO policy? I believe ours is going to be an HMO. TYIA for any information. Melissa

I had BCBS HMO. I saw Dr Duncan in August and had surgery in Oct. Make sure you have your diet history all together.

Melissa, depends on who your provider is for the insurance. Prior to this year, bcbs's blue choice hmo would pay for the surgery, but state merit was my provider and they wrote an exclusionary clause for all of their insurance carriers this year. However, I did have bcbs ppo and was going to change to hmo and that is how I found this out. If you read my post, devastating news, please understand that this is only true for state merit, or at least my carrier with DFCS (Department of Family and Children Services). good luck and weight loss~

Melissa, I had surgery in January with BCBS PPO, and they paid for everything. BUT I must caution you, you will need to find out if it's covered under your specific plan, regardless of whether it's HMO or PPO. BCBS is not covering WLS for many of their insured companies, but I was fortunate in that my firm specifically elected to retain that coverage. Many do not. A little extra time to check in advance may save you thousands. Good luck! Cheryl

I have PPo i was approved in two days, and had surgery 3-29-04 with Dr. Duncan. I also work at a Dr.'s office and with hmo's you need referrals but with a ppo you do not.... PPO is alot easier to work with

Hi Melissa, I have BCBS HMO insurance and I had my surgery on January 3, 2005. I'm the lady that talked with you in Walmart (Rome) in September 2004. The insurance paid 100%. Once you get the new insurance, call Customer Service and ask if the surgery is covered. Then ask the CS rep to send you a certificate booklet so you can read the information. I was approved in one week Best wishes with you new insurance. Tammie G. WLS. -53 pounds

Oh Hi! I remember you! I'm so glad that your surgery worked out for you. I am praying that this new insurance will cover it. It's a through Darlington School, where my husband is beginning employment. Since they're private I'm praying it's not the same policy that the Public system has that's starting the exclusion in July. My luck though... Thanks to everyone else *****sponded as well. I guess I just have to wait until July 1 and find out once the new insurance kicks in. Tammy, what were your prereq's before you got your approval? Do you remember? TYIA and Grats to all of you with successful surgeries... One day I'll be one of you guys I pray. Melissa