Question:
Has anyone had approval with TEAMSTER LOCAL 355 IN MD.

I'M WAITING ON APPROVAL, I HAVE CAREFIRST BC/BS THROUGH THIS UNION. I'M WONDEERING IF ANYONE HAS HAD APPROVAL WITH THEM.    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 18, 2001)

November 18, 2001
Hi... I have Carefirst BCBS but not with Teamsters. But thought I'd pass along some info that was emailed to me. Apparently MD passed a law effective Oct. 1, 2001 wherein insurance must cover WLS even if contract has an exclusion as long as you are in the BMI range for MO and even more so with that and comorbidities. I'm still waiting on my approval so hopefull it will be good news. I'm not sure though how that law affects small businesses (under 75 employees or ERISA (self insured companies) so you might want to check that out. Good luck!
   — AJC750

November 18, 2001
Yes, I have BC/BS PPO through teamsters local 355 in Maryland and I have an exclusion in my policy. I was scared to death, but I documented my medical history and I wrote them a letter stating my problems. My surgeon also wrote them a letter and I had letters of support from my, PCP and GYN Dr. After my initial consult with my surgeon his office forwarded all the paperwork and in two weeks I had a approval. They covered me 100%. Please email me if you have any questions, or of I can help you out in any way. The only other suggestion I can offer is PRAY, I swear that worked for me.... Best of luck to you...
   — Malynda S.