empire blue cross blue shield

hi.
i have empire blue cross blue shield insurance.  was wondering if anyone on here would know what there requirments are for lap band surgery?   my bmi is over 40.  i have high cholestoral, and depression.   if anyone has any information for me i would be appreciative with any feedback.  i want this lap band pretty bad and realize its my time to try to be happy.  thanks

You need to call your insurance company and find out the specifics.  Good luck!

even with BCBS every company that offers that insurance can have different coverage options.  That being said both my mother and I have BCBS from different companies and lap band was covered for both of us without a fight.  We both had 40 bmi and minimal other health conditions.  I had to see a nutritionist outside of my dr's program but she didn't.  The best way to check for sure would be to call empire and ask them if it is covered under your insurance policy.  Most insurances that I have heard of are usually 40 bmi, some will do 35 bmi if you have co-morbilities like high cholestoral and diabetes.  Good luck I hope your insurance covers it for you.  Congrats on making this first step towards a new chapter in your life!

Have the dr call or you call. I had 40 plus and 2 comorbidities. They have a list of other things like 6 mo of trying other programs and 2 yrs of proof of being morbidly obese. etc,

I have the same insurance.  I called them and they told me what the requirements were before I went to the Doctor.  I have no trouble getting approval.  I had it after 3 months.  I wish you luck!!! :-)  Come and sit by me on the losers bench after you get your surgery!!!

Hi. I too have Empire BCBS and was approved really fast. However, like one of the previous posts, it would depend on what coverages your employer (if its through an employer) has chosen. Bariatric surgery may or may not be included with your coverages, it would depend on what your employer/or you have chosen to include with their coverage. You need to start with them. Your insurance card has the 800 for members, call them when you get a chance they will tell you what you are and aren't covered for.

Good luck! Mimi