Please help (NC ppl)

HI
I have a question, I am a RN and actually have preformed the RYN in the OR as a nurse, I want and need the RYN done but my current insurance list WTS other then the band as a exclusion.  Heres the problem, I am looking into buying a individual insurance policy to cover this, I know read thepolicy fine print prior to buying, anyone out there that brought insurance to cover this??? Does BCBS of NC offer anything, I perfer them. Any other suggestions? PLease Help.

Hi Hope!
Try going here... .http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/NC/a,messageboard/board_id,4829/

That is the link to the NC board...at the top of your page it says home,my oh,photos people,forums..click forums then you will see state..select your state and thee you are.I had a hard time at first with it so I posted the link for you.Good luck..

Kimmeroo (Kim)

Thanks

 I live in NC and I have Anthem BCBS. I was just approved yesterday! BCBS has been great! All policies are different though. I didn't have to do a 6month diet..just need to have past 5years of Medical history..Physc, Nut, pcp support letter..and a great surgeon! I'm scheduled for RNY June 3.  Feel free to visit my profile. Oh..My surgeon is Dr. Stephen McNatt..Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

             GOOD LUCK
                  Candace
              Thomasville, NC

I've always read that you cannot buy an INDIVIDUAL policy that will cover weight loss surgery.  Just not available.  MUST be through an employer or group that does not exclude it, as many do....

Well kinda, but not exactly.

You CAN buy an individual policy that will cover WLS..... IF you can meet their underwriting requirements.

Basically.... unless you have what they determine to be a "healthy" BMI, you're more than likely going to be denied. If, by some miracle they DO issue you a plan, they'll probably try to rider a bunch of stuff out.

So.... you CAN get on a plan to have WLS.... but you have to have a healthy BMI to get on the plan. So indirectly, you're right.... you can't buy an individual policy that'll cover WLS.... because if you need WLS..... there's no way you'll be approved.

OP, your best bet is to either lobby your human resources dept. to have them include bariatric surgery as a benefit..... or find a new job with a group plan (guarantee issue) which WILL cover the surgery.

I have BCBS NC and they would pay for band or RNY but I wanted VSG so after some denials and appeals, I had my VSG approved.