BC/BS Self Insured

Hi Everyone, I just found out that the insurance we have is considered self-insured.   When I visited the surgeons office I was told to find out if the insurance was self-insured or not.  What does this exactly mean?  As everyone else here on the board I have the Dr. supervised diet plan but mine was for 12 months which I believe is quite excessive.  So, I wasn't sure the self-insured insurance would pose bigger issues for me or allow for an easier road to approval.  I would appreciate any knowledge, information, insight or thoughts anyone would like to offer. Thank you, Stacey

The links on the left should help you with more information on self funded. Essentially, the difference is that your plan is governed by Federal Law.  The ERISA Statute.  That means, the company really gets the last word.  There usually is no external review, though some plans allow that, so read your plan.  It also means if you appeal and lose, you would have to sue in federal court.   The private plans in many cases allow for appeal to a State's insurance department and that is a good thing.