Anyone had to appeal BCBS-CA?

I just got a denial on my first submission because the reviewer said that I did not meet the BCBS requirements in their guidelines with comorbidities.  However, since I have been diagnosed with hypertension, hypercholesteremia, shortness of breath, joint pains, and a few other diagnoses that were supposedly in the original submission package, I did appeal that.  I also discovered that according to every OTHER BMI calculator I try out, my BMI is 40.4 whereas my provider claimed it was 38.  The BCBS guidelines are either 40 or 35+ with comorbidities, including but not limited to severe cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, etc.  Even with the original "mistake" in my BMI, I still should have fit the qualifications but now with the recalculation of the BMI to 40.4, I automatically fit them.   I called BCBS back yesterday to question appeal processes and she took my info over the phone and I later faxed a letter that delineated the comorbities and the BMI correction also.  I was told that it could take up to 30 days but that I can also call back in a few days to see who my reviewer is and talk with them personally.  Of course I am stunned and depressed and now worried about the outcome of all this.  Can anyone else tell me about their experiences with appealing BCBS?  Personally I think it should be an open/shut case since it appears they did not closely review my original submission, but now that I have officially been denied, I am also worried .  Just looking for other expeirences to either keep my hopes floating or to start letting myself down easily.  :) Thanks, Lisha

Lisha, Deep breath.  You're just beginning the process so don't worry.  Look at your plan and the denial letter.  Can you appeal to the State of California for an independant external review?  If so, do it.  If not, appeal again internally. Be very careful when you send them additional information.  Even when you just respond to them and provide information they say they don't have, they can turn around and say you just used an appeal.  Don't let them say that to you.  You're providing information they said they needed and that IS NOT an appeal.  Don't let them use up your appeals, because they love to do that. Just be very thorough.  Stay calm.  You'll be fine. Gary