BCBS Anthem of California-TT/BL approval

Hi,

This is my first time posting in the plastic surgery forum. I had the VSG on 07/25/11 and am doing great, working out with a trainer and very please with my decision. I have a couple of questions so any advice is greatly appreciated.

1.) How soon before I start thinking about TT/BL?
2.) I know I will not have the money to pay out of pocket and will definately need these two operations. So anyone have any luck with approval from BCBS Anthem of California?
3.) If I would not be approved for the surgery, does anyone know an estimate for the cost for these two procedures.

Thank you for all replies in advance!

I'm self pay.
Here is my breakdown.

Circumferential Lift and Brachioplasty
10,021,00 this does not cover pre op bloodwork and xrays

breast lift/Saline Implants & Bilateral Thighplasty
12,758,00 Both of these include one nights hospital stay.

I live in Indiana.

Hope it all works out for you.

Julie

 I have anthem bc of california and I just found out today that my excess skin on my adomen will not be covered by insurance even though I waited the 18 months from surgery date.  I had rny 1/2010 and as of last appointment I had lost about 150 pounds and I am only 5'5".  They claim that it is cosmetic so they will not cover it.   I am going back to see my plastic surgeon again in a few weeks to hopefully get some other suggestions as I can not afford the $8000-$10,000 it will cost to have the surgery.

I do wish you luck maybe your coverage is better than mine.

I would wait to bring up plastic surgery until your 1 year follow up that is when I realized there was nothing I could really do on my own to help with it.

I went to the search button and found some older posts indicating that some people have gotten covered but I am sure it differs for everyone and every state. I live in Florida but my insurance through my work is in CA. I have really good coverage but am concerned I won't be able to get approved. Some older posts suggested asking the PS about Panni and these were getting covered in lieu of TT.

On another note, I know that I can't have surgery for about 1 1/2 years out, but if I am self pay, it is going to take a long time to save up that kind of money. So I wouldn't mind knowing about the cost or other options.

Thank you for replying to me.

you can look up the info on the bc website.....they do cover, but has to meet certain criteria.

http://www.anthem.com/wps/portal/ca/culdesac?name=onlinepoli cies&content_path=provider/f1/s0/t0/pw_a111722.htm&label=Ove rview

I have BCBS Anthem of California and they covered my tummy tuck and my brechioplasty.   With the TT you have to be 18 months out, be at the same weight for so long, I can't remember and have lost 100lbs.  Also have some sort of rash. ( I didn't but told them I did and was treating it with over the counter meds)  My surgeon took pics and submited it.  It was approved prety fast.  I had the procedures done within 2 months of each other.  Best of luck!  I'm going to try to get them to pay for my breast lift next. :D

Wow that is really good news. Of course, I still have 16 months to go before I could do that, but I think it will go fast. Who knows if there will be insurance changes by then but I will keep my fingers crossed.