Question:
Does anyone have Blue Cross California?

I am scheduled for January. Filled out mounds of paperwork and completed all my procedures. I called Blue Cross of Ca t his morning and they told me I still need to complete a 15 pages of paperwork to even be considered. They never told me this before (and I've talked to them a million times...VERY FRUSTRATED and afraid this may impact my january date. Also, what is the criteria they deny? I'm at BMI 40.7 and have hypertension. Is this enough or will they tell me I have to stay fat until I get more symptoms and then they'll approve me (If i'm not approved, i know i'll get things like diabetes and I'm hoping to jump ahead of this and get healthy now).    — hatda (posted on December 10, 2007)

December 10, 2007
WOW!! I too have blue cross and am almost done with everything and have never been told about any paperwork annnnnd apparantly im already approved!! Did they tell u that u were approved and at the last minute they are throwing this at you???
   — TanyaMay

December 10, 2007
Most insurance companies will only consider those with BMI's over 40, OR if less than 40, co-morbid conditions must be evident. My BMI was 39.5, but I qualified with my insurance company because I had hytpertension, sleep apnia, and was on cholestorol meds.
   — Dave Chambers

December 10, 2007
Ditto what the last writer said WOW!!! I have Blue Cross of Cali and really had no problems my Dr. did everything for me. I just showed up for the appointments, went to all the nutrition classes, and most of all waited. My BMI is the same as yours with very minor co-morbidities. Well what I consider minor such as sleep apnea and GERD.I was approved on the first shot but like I said a lot of waiting. Hang in there, it will happen.
   — psmeshell

December 10, 2007
Hello I live in south dakota and have bc/bs wellmark and had no trouble but I had hypertention , small sleep apnea,joint pain and letters from my reg dr and my surgeon that recommended me and I was approved in ten days or less for an open RNY had surgery in nov 07 doing ok lost 35 lbs already except with a little constipation but other wise ok. gl on your journey and talk to your surgeons office medical billing and approvel dept they can let you in on what else you need if anything. don't worry insurance comapnys just do this .. I do medicald billing and work with them all the time they can be a pain but all in all they approve if this is nessasary surgery which it sounds it is .. take care Cathy
   — tenderlovinghugs07

December 10, 2007
I had Blue Cross of California and agree with the answers you have received already, I was 43.6 BMI with High Blood Pressure, Sleep Apnea etc. My Surgeon and his office handled everything. I was aprroved for RNY without question. I would question and get the aid of your surgeon. David Ferreira
   — blossman

December 12, 2007
I didnt have any trouble getting approved.No paperwork . Just had to go through all the tests. I dont understand why they would do this to you. Bre
   — Bre DeLaMater