FEP BCBS is adding LapBand for 2007!!!

I just got off the phone with benefits.  It's true!  I've been waiting for 3 years for them to add it.  I had finally resigned myself to having RNY instead, but thought I'd call again! LapBand is now covered!! WooHoo!!!!!!!!!!!

Mary, where you are you from, because I'm from South Carolina and to my knowledge the BCBS here they are not covering it.

I'm in KY, but this is for the Federal Employee Program (FEP) BCBS, so it shouldn't matter which state you're in, just whether or not you have the FEP BCBS.

Oh okay, well thank you for the info....much sucess to you!!

Hi Marcy.. Just researching the older posts and I came across this one.. Can this really be true? I was going to switch to Cigna in a few weeks and endure their 6 month physician diet plan. Actually, I was going to keep my husbands BCBS- FEP, and add the Cigna from my job..just in-case something went wrong. Can you direct me to the source of this info? Can I just call BCBS and ask? Will the pre-surgery requirements be the same..(No 6 month diet/exercise)..Just meet the BCBC-FEP requirements (BMI) and schedule a surgery date? WoW! If this is going to be in place this is WONDERFUL news!!! Thank you!

I just called BCBS and they told me over the phone that it was being added for 2007.  My surgeon said he was told the same.  So I think it's true.....I sure hope so!

I also have BCBS of MS (PPO), I called, and they stated they would cover up to $10,000 (Lifetime Max), and I would have to pay 20%--I know the surgery is more than $10,000, so how is the balance paid; up front, or through billing, or if the surgeon is on the BCBS plan is that the most they can charge?  Hope I didn't confuse you...I'm just wondering how this insurance thing works...thanks for any replies