Question:
Is there a waiting period for insurance companies when it is a new policy?

I was thinking of changing my insurance to bc/bs traditional...or bc/bs preferred plus....b/c it requires no pre-approvals...is there a waiting period to actually have this surgery done?...or any insurance company in general?    — ninoid (posted on March 14, 2003)

March 13, 2003
I do not know about your insurance, but I changed insurance on Jan 1,2003 and had my consult on 01/13/03 and my surgery on 02/05/03. And it was covered!
   — Haziefrog

March 13, 2003
Hi Kim. I am a Michigan resident. I switched to BCBS Community Blue effective date 01/01/03. I had my consult 01/13/03 and I was approved for surgery in 02/03 and my surgery date is 03/24/03. I asked that same question to the Insurance department at BTC, Ypsilanti, and was told not a problem. I also called the insurance company as well and was told yes. However, when you call BCBS give them Procedure Code 43846 which is Gastric restrictive procedure, with gastric bypass for morbid obesity, with short limb(less than 100 cm) Roux-en Y gastroenterostomy. Along with the procedure code give them diagnosis code 278.01(morbid obesity)and BCBS will give you the benefit under your policy for that procedure. Only if you are having Open RNY! I hope that helps. Best Wishes!
   — Steph P.

March 14, 2003
Usually there isn't a waiting period unless there is a pre-existing condition clause on the policy, but wls wouldn't be considered pre-existing. Insurance companies on the majority of plans require some sort of documentation for medical necessity. True they may not pre approve, but then again they may not pay either. Those types of plans tend to be more expensive, but it's all in how and what you want and what you want to pay for it. Remember though, you have to use this insurance not only for wls but for other ailments (not only for you, but for possible your family too) also so keep that in mind.
   — Robin J.