Anthem BC/BS - won't add WLS rider unless you have 100+ employees????

In January 2005, Florida-based insurers, led by Blue/Cross Blue Shield of Florida, began a disturbing trend by eliminating insurance coverage for obesity management services including bariatric surgery (weight-loss surgery). The OAC believes that this decision negatively impacts the quality of health and life of Floridians by denying them access to needed medical care.  Obesity is a complex disease that requires treatment. The medical treatment of obesity decreases mortality, improves or resolves obesity-related illnesses and improves quality of life.  Denying patients and their physicians proven options for treatment is an ill-advised, short-term economic decision by Blue Cross/Blue Shield and the other Florida-based insurers that endangers the long-term health of many Floridians. 

Call to Action

The OAC requests that you educate your state legislators, key state officials, health plan medical director and employer (through your benefits manager, human resources department and/or union representation) about the importance of insurance coverage for weight-loss surgery and obesity management services. This issue is very important.  Everyday, we read about the impact obesity has on our society, and now it is time for those affected by obesity to come together and demand improved access to treatment in Florida.

Anyone can be an advocate.  Here are a few suggestions on what you can do.

• Share this information with family, friends and support groups and encourage them to get involved. The more individuals involved, the stronger our voice.  Feel free to make copies of this guide, call the OAC National Office at (800) 717-3117 for additional copies or you may download an electronic version to send via e-mail by clicking on the PDF link at the top of this page.

• Write, e-mail, visit or call your legislators and other key officials listed in this guide.

• Let your employer and insurance plan know about the need for bariatric surgery and obesity management coverage by contacting your benefits manager, human resources department, union representation and/or health plan medical director.

• Keep the OAC informed of your actions.  Did you write or e-mail your legislator?  Did you post a link to this guide on your Online support group?  Let us know by mailing or e-mailing us a copy of your letter or message. 

The OAC has targeted the following Florida officials and legislators. Officials with an * should be targeted by those seeking to improve access for state employees. In addition, we encourage you to contact your district legislators. To find your local legislators, visit www.obesityaction.org

Governor Charlie Crist Office of the Governor The Capitol Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 Phone: (850) 488-7146 Fax: (850) 487-0801 [email protected]

Secretary Ana M. Viamonte Ros M.D., MPH Florida Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # A00 Tallahassee, FL  32399-1701 Phone:  (850) 245-4321 Fax: 850-922-9453 [email protected]

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink Florida Department of Financial Services 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0300 Phone: (850) 413-3100 [email protected]

Senator Bill Posey Chairman, Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Senate Office Building Room 420 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 Phone: (850) 487-5053 posey.bill.web@ flsenate.gov

Senator M. Mandy Dawson Chairperson, Senate Health Policy Committee Senate Office Building Room 410 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 Phone: (850) 487-5112 [email protected]

Representative Donald D. Brown  Chairman, House Committee on Insurance 313 House Office Building 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Phone: (850) 488-4726 http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/emailrepresentative. aspx?MemberId=4188&SessionId=54

Representative Aaron P. Bean Chairman, Healthcare Council 200 House Office Building 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Phone: (850) 488-6920 http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/emailrepresentative. aspx?MemberId=4192&SessionId=54

Below, please find some suggested topics, facts, do’s, don’ts and a sample letter.

• If you are a post-bariatric surgery patient or have participated in an obesity management program, please share in your letter the difference your weight-loss has made in your life from both a quality of life and health standpoint. For instance, if you are no longer a diabetic, you now take a reduced number of medications and/or no longer suffer from sleep apnea.  Your personal story is powerful.

• If you are a state of Florida employee, please include this information.

• If you are a Medicaid recipient, please include this information.

• If you are seeking weight-loss surgery or obesity management, explain your personal preparation, what health complications you are currently experiencing, how they affect your quality of life and the burden placed on you by the exclusion of weight-loss surgery and obesity management services by Florida insurers.

• If you are a family member or friend of a weight-loss surgery or obesity management patient, detail the difference weight-loss has made in your family member/friend’s life or how much they would benefit from receiving these services.

• Publicly question why many Florida insurers, including the state employee program, deny access to weight-loss surgery and obesity management services.