Got new Insurance W/ BCBS of Arkansas

 I recently got insurance through BCBS of Arkansas. It's indepedent meaning not through my employer. I'm Paying a pretty penny and before I continue to pay. I was wondering has it been hard for anyone with this company to be approved for WLS. This is my last resort to get WLS. If this fails I think my fight will be over. I just don't think I have anymore punches left.

You need to get a written copy of your policy to be sure.  It's my understanding that most personal policies will not cover bariatric surgery due to the costs, but yours may be different.  Most BCBS also have supervised diet requirements for 3-6 months prior to applying for approval.  All of the requirements would be listed on your policy...get a copy before wasting any time.

I was so excited to see someone else with BCBS of ARKANSAS *** BUT*** then as I read your post and saw that you were on an individual plan I was dissapointed. I cannot seem to find anyone who has had any experience with this company and WLS. My hubby works for Alltel and we just switched over to this insurance & it was effective 01/01/07. I know that for his plan the policy if very clear and it states that it is covered. I don't anticipate any problems, but then I have a BMI over 50 and severe sleep apnea plus other co morbidities. Good luck with your plan. The customer service is very helpful. Just call them or look online. They were very impressive and even gave a confirmation number regarding our conversation today so that I could call back in reference to it if needed. Jenifer

 I'm glad to get some type of a positive response. My insurance also started on 01/01/07 and it also states that it covers WLS in my policy. I was wondering if there is a waiting period before we can start the ball rolling on this. This just might be our big break. Thanks for the info and keep in touch.  I'd like to know how your progress is coming along. This is a difficult thing to go through and I've learned that it helps to talk about it with someone who's going through the same thing.      GOOD LUCK and BE BLESSED  

I don't think there is a waiting period. I know that with ours because we switched from one Alltel plan to another there isn't any waiting or anything that is considered pre-existing. It was quite strange to me that Alltel offers 3 insurance plans to their employees & two of them exclude (completely) WLS but yet this 3rd one does not and is just the opposite. It is so clear in stating that it covers it. I will finish my 6 months of supervised weight loss appointments on Monday, Jan 8th- although I don't think that is a requirement for our policies. I just did it so that I wouldn't have to at this point in the game and have to wait an additional 6 months. My initial consult is scheduled for Jan 16th. I am shooting to get the bloodwork, EKG & Xray done that week or the following week and hopefully schedule the Endoscopy ASAP. Then we can submit to insurance. I truly don't anticipate any approval issues. I did send you a friends request. I am really glad to find someone with the same insurance. Yippee.

I've also done my 6 months of supervised diets just in case they require that for approval. I go for my first consult on Jan. 8th. I'm so excited!!!! I've recieved and excepted your friends request. Thanks. keep in touch and i'll do the same. GOOD LUCK and BE BLESSED