BCBS of MA (PPO) Requirements

Hi everyone,

I unfortunately just lost my job and am completing my six months of pre-op classes in March.  We're thinking of switching our insurance, but b/c I'm at the six month of my classes I want to make sure BCBS MA PPO will cover the surgery.  I have Aetna now and can go on COBRA but it will be very expensive.

So do other BCBS people have to complete the six months pre-op?  Do you think all of these classes I've been taking will count toward it if I switch?  I feel like it should considering I haven't submitted anything to the insureance company yet.

Argh, what a disaster...

I'm on BCBS MA, but the HMO plan.  My doctors said that it's one of the easiest insurance companies to deal with.  I had NO required 6 month waiting period (although, it ended up being 5 mo from the time of my first appointment until my surgery, as I was slow to lose the weight my surgeon required pre-op).  They didn't require documentation of attempts to lose weight.  The whole process was very easy; I was approved by insurance almost immediately,

I would call them, just to be sure the PPO isn't different and that nothing's changed (I got my approval in 2010, and I know some plans changed although mine did not).  But I would definitely jump at the chance to switch to BCBS in general... I've had several insurance companies over the years, and I personally think this one is the best.

I had BCBS HMO. It is by far one of the easiest insurance companies to deal with. They rarely deny a claim. They have absolutely no requirements as far as pre-op classes. The only requirements I had were either 1.) BMI higher than 35. Or 2.) BMI lower but also have co-morbidies.

You should be A-Ok Best of luck !!

I've got BCBS HMO Blue New England. No requirements otherthan your doc needs to deem surgery "medically necessary"! I was approved for a lapband in 07 then RNY in 2010! I've never seen a bill!! Just follow the Brigham requirements and you'll be good to go!

You guys are great!  Yes, I found out that my COBRA payments for that other insurance I was on was literally the same as my mortgage payment, so I'll be switching to BCBS through my husband's work. 
Thank you guys so much for getting back to me!