Does anyone have any info...

Does anyone have any info on Regence BCBSO insurance coverage for WLS? Apparently if I worked for a federal employer my insurance would pay for WLS but I'm covered under a school district policy so it doesn't...???

Yes, my federal Blue Cross paid for my surgery, but another person in my pre op class had the other Blue Cross and weren't covered. But even then I had to have other problems too that the surgery could cure, like sleep apnea, diabetes, or high blood pressure. And I don't know why one pays and the other doesn't, even when 2 people have the same problems, or one even worse than the covered person.

Thanks for the input.

I'm Regence state of Oregon (state employee) and the exclusion is iron clad. I went to Mexico and paid out of pocket. I recouped most of that with my tax return this year because you can write it off. Dina

Thanks for the info-it's good to know.

Now that is good to know. I was wondering if you could do a tax write off! Barb

Well My hubby works for the gov and his insurance dont cover it infact it is a written exclusion and he has Reg Blue cross Blue shild of Oregon . But Good Luck I tried them and ws turned down hands down about a yr or so ago.. Things could have changed or maybe you have alittle differnt policy for your sake.. I know Aetna MC Nap covers it but has alot of hoops you have to jump thru ! Best of Luck to you ! Twi

I have Regence and I appealed their denial all three times with no help.... they are so greedy!!! Anyways, we mortgaged our home and wrote the expenses off from our taxes..... it was the only way we could do it.... but it was worth it... $35,000 with a tax break of about $9,000... so actually it costs about what a new car costs..... My husband calls me his Lexus!!! My girlfriend charged her surgery to Alask Airlines Visa card at 0% interest, got two free tickets to Mexico, and then paid the card off with a home loan which is tax deductable too.... she's pretty smart... now she is skinny and had a blast in Cancun!!! There is a local Phone center in town, ACS.... their insurance covers the costs... ODS and lots of people work there simply because they paid for their surgery..... Look around!!! Good luck to ya... get creative!!!! Laurie - minus 162 lbs!!

I have heard nothing but wonderful things about this surgeon and he does the duodenal switch, which is an excellent WLS option. I understand the out of pocket cost is VERY reasonable. You can email him for info from this site: www.bodybybaltasar.com Best wishes to you and yours Isha 366/247/220-170 www.duodenalswitch.com Eat Normal & Lose!