Question:
has anyone been aprrove for lapband surgery with (federal employee) bcbs?

   — marcelle1070 (posted on April 16, 2003)

April 16, 2003
Rhonda, you may want to ask the same question over on www.spotlighthealth.com, go to morbid obesity and support groups. They have one just for lap banders...
   — Cindy R.

July 22, 2003
Rhonda: I have BC/BS (Federal) PPO and have been told that they DO NOT cover lap band surgery - they will cover gastric bypass only. I'm having the lap band surgery on August 6, but my PCP is writing a referral letter to my surgeon (who is in Texas) and they are going to submit the paperwork to BC/BS. I have read that sometimes they will approve it, but it has to go to a special committee or whatever. There is a lady in San Antonio, TX, who had her lap band covered by BC/BS Federal - she said it only took 72 hrs to get approval after they got the papers. I believe they have to also review your medical records for the past 5 years or so and you have to have had a BMI of 40 or above during that 5 years for them to consider it. These are only things I've heard from other lap banders with Federal BC/BS. I'm sure each case is different. Hope this helps.
   — Carolyn H.

May 2, 2006
BCBS covers lapband for non-fep plans in at least 36 states as of this time. Medicare now covers lapband. We need to put pressure on OPM and BCBS FEP. To contact OPM about upcoming contract negotiations with BSBC FEP: Mr. Rob Robison Health Benefits Contract Specialist Insurance Services Program, HIG 1 Room 3435 U.S. Office of Personnel Management 1900 E Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20415 e-mail: [email protected] fax: 202-606-0823 To contact BCBS FEP: Steve Gammarino Sr. Vice President of BCBS Association 1310 G Street, N.W. Suite 900 Washington D.C. 20005 possible e-mail: [email protected]
   — [Deactivated Member]