LapBand Approvals from Miliary Insurance Tricare - Post Here

Hi - I am having a hard time recieving a approval from Tricare for the lapband.  I have been denied and approved for the gastric.  I feel more comfortable with the lapband because of the side effects from the lapband.  Any thoughts or suggesstion on how to get it approved.  I am located in Northern California if this helps.  

Tricare, at least Tricare North region, does not cover Lap Band at all. Which is why I am hoping to have RNY. I know it's not what you were hoping to hear but it is what it is. Linda

Not covered in Southern region either

Tricare SOUTH said NO WAY too! I am so upset!  I am financing mine. Now I may have to find another dr though..  Keep me informed on your journey! Hugs, M~

Thanks for all of your support and information.  You all have confirmed what I thought, Tricare does not cover it.  I basically got insurance from my job and they are going to cover it at 80% with max of $3,000 out of deductiable.  The lapband is not as widely covered by insurance as the RNY in this state and from what I can tell, not anywhere.  Thankfully, my employer has a company that does Blue/Cross PPO.  While the monthly payment is not at cheap as I would like it, it beats shelling out the entire cost of the surgery. 

Tricare covers VSG...doesnt it? Did you read anything on that? thanks for any info andrea

Tricare doesn't cover the vertical sleeve gastrectomy.  It does cover the vertical banded gastroplasty which is an entirely different procedure and really one that is very rarely done these days.