Question:
I have BCBS of Alabama thru a self insured employer and have been approved.

Hello, If someone could help me with this. I have been pre-approved for WLS thru my insurance company and have my surgery scheduled for Jan. 7th, 2003. I am still hearing that BCBS is no longer covering WLS after Jan. 1, 2003. Is this true. My letter says that I am pre-certified for coverage if the surgery is done in the next 6 months and my surgery date is within that time.    — SUE M. (posted on September 2, 2002)

September 2, 2002
I would check to see if it BCBS that is changing or your policy changing! I have BCBS of IL and I have not heard anything to that effect. Can you have your surgery scheduled sooner? Who are you using, a local doctor? I would call and ask! Your dr may consider you sooner if that is the case!
   — jessmessen

September 2, 2002
I would check with BCBS. I have it in Ohio and there is ONE policy that will exclude WLS altogether in 2003. The others will still cover it if it is medically indicated. It can also be excluded by your company no matter the policy, so check with your HR person.
   — LM O.

September 2, 2002
I am employed at BCBS of Al and this is news to me. If you are approved I don't see them not covering. Have you actually received the notice of approval from the review department at BCBS?
   — Sherry S.

September 2, 2002
Sue, I also have BCBS of Alabama through a self insured employer and I was approved less than two weeks ago for WLS. BCBS of Alabama stated that this letter of approval was good for one year with one surgery for weight loss in a life time. Hope this helps you.
   — Gene F.