BCBS of Missouri (BlueChoice)

Hi!  I'm new to this website and I am hoping to have gastric bypass surgery.  The company I work for has Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri HMO insurance. 

I've started the steps for surgery but I have a question about this insurance.  I was flipping through the old 2005 / 2006 benefit booklet and it says under exclusions that weight loss treatment or care for obesity is not covered.  I haven't received the new booklet for 2007 yet.   I am just worried that my insurance isn't going to cover the surgery and was wondering if anyone else has bcbs and had this exclusion in their booklet but was able to have the surgery?   I've seen several people on this site who have bcbs and they have gotten approved but does that mean everyone will get approved or does it depend on the coverage your company selects from bcbs?  Thanks for all your help. Edited to say after the first of the year our insurance will be BCBS of Missouri (Anthem)  I went to HR today and got a copy of the booklet that says copays etc and I don't see any exclusions.  Their plan for 2007 seems to include a lot of programs to manage weight etc... I wonder if this new policy will be better? 

Sorry to say that it doesn't look good.  I am in the same situation in Kansas.  In fact almost all policies written in the state exclude this coverage as well as all treatments related to obesity.  I have written all my local congressmen and senators, governor's office, as well as state insurance commissioner advising them of the need for WLS and treatments related to obesity and how obesity is a disease etc..  I advise everyone in our area to do the same.  That is the only way we will get this turned around.  Sad that we are being denied treatment by our own insurance.  I don't know alot about Missouri insurances, but I know it is probably similar to ours.  BCBS of Kansas City at least at one time did cover this surgery and other treatments.  Good luck!! Chad

I also have BCBS and our booklet says NO coverage, I  am scheduling evaluation with my surgeon on monday and will talk to their insurance lady to see if they have any success getting it through, but since it says "no coverage even with medical necessity", I am not hopeful. this does need to be changed.

Hello, I live in Missouri but have BCBS-PPO of Michigan. My PCP told me NOT to enroll in the HMO insurance because it does not cover the surgery. I am not sure about yours though. Worth looking into for 07' though. Shonna