Hello, I'm new at the si...

Hello, I'm new at the site. Just wondering if anyone has any info on trying to get, or has gotten approval through BCBS PEBB to pay for WLS? I know that they have an exclusion in the policy but I was hoping someone has found a way around it??? If not, I was also thinking of switching to Kaiser Perm. as it seems they are paying for it. Anyone have any tips? Thanks Much!!! Lisa H. Salem

Welcome Lisa, I wish I could tell you about BCBS but I hear they have some excusions, but someone on here or the main message board would know. As for Keiser, I do think they pay for open, I heard they aren't doing the Laproscopic yet. Our info fairy Brandi is going though that right now, she is a wonderful source of information and support. I'm glad you found this site, I did also last fall before my surgery, it is wonderful and I was able to get all the questions I had answered. I now try to help others, I am now a 6 mo. post op. If your question doesn't get answered just try again or try another message board. Sometimes we don't know the answer but someone will! Good Luck to Ya, Catherine

Lisa - I'm PEBB here in Medford and can tell you without a doubt that BCBS *never* pays on this. Ever. When you get to open enrollment go for Kaiser. If your BMI is 50 or over you could qualify. Otherwise I don't think they open it up to anyone if their BMI isn't high enough. I'm personally going to retain a lawyer and sue PEBB because down here in Medford we aren't even given the opportunity to get Kaiser, which does pay. Even if I wanted to drive to Salem to go to the doctor, they wouldn't let me, so basically we are talking geographical discrimination. I have already talked to an attorney in NYC about it. I just have to get my denials and paperwork in order for him. I ended up going to Mexico and having my surgery - just knew I was never going to have the opportunity working for the state. Dina

Hi Lisa, I had my surgery through Kaiser and I couldn't be happier!! I switched to Kaiser and almost a year after my initial referral I had surgery. There are hoops to jump though, but they are trying to move people along more quickly. I had surgery on Feb. 16 of this year and have lost 103 since then and 125 grand total. I do know they have support meetings in Salem. I would HIGHLY recommend Kaiser. A lot of people really dis-like the waiting, (I did also) but I was better prepared. I had major problems with Providence and then was able to switch. I would switch as soon as you can. It may be a little longer, but if you wait for a lawyer to fight, and then have to wait again, it would be worth it. Feel free to email me if you have ANY questions. I can tell you what I have been through and tell you more about Kaiser. Best of luck to you!! Sarah