Question:
BCBS of Illinois does anyone have this insurance

I have BCBS of Illinois, does anyone else and how hard was it to get approved? Any advice is appreciated.    — pugsley101 (posted on May 6, 2008)

May 6, 2008
I have BCBS of Illinois but it was through my husbands union. BCBS has so many different branches that you'd have to call to see what they want you to do. I had to go through a mental health screening and when that was completed I was approved. I couldn't see my surgeon about WLS until I was approved through them first. I would call because all policies are different.
   — lalabear110

May 6, 2008
Just wondering where your looking to have your surgery and if your close to the Chicago area?
   — lalabear110

May 6, 2008
As a previous posting stated, you will need to check with your insurance. I do have BCBS of IL. For me they required a one year monitored dieting. Every month I had to visit either my PCP or a dietician. I also had to have a psyche evaluation. The hospital where I had my surgery has a bariatric clinic. They helped me with a lot of the requirements, but I made several calls to BCBS. I kept a notebook for every time I called with the persons first name and last initial of whome I spoke to and what they told me I could or could not do. If I questioned anything they said, I would call back and ask the same question and again make notes. This was very helpful. The year waiting may seem like a long time, but by the time I went for surgery, I was very knowledgeable and comfortable with my decision. I could not be happier that I had the surgery in Dec. '06. I have lost 111 lbs and am loving the new me. Good luck with everything.
   — MJP0520

May 6, 2008
I had BCBS of Florida and it paid ZERO so I had to be a self pay. So, however it takes, be thankful and congratulations on your WLS decision. Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

May 6, 2008
I have BCBSIL and live in the Chicago area. I was approved, even though I was borderline with the BMI I had a few co-morbidities. They did want me to do a 6-month medically supervised diet before I could have the surgery. After weighing the costs in my mind, and also after hearing that after the 6 months BCBSIL "may" not approve the surgery if they determined it was no longer medically necessary, I opted to go the self-pay route. If you go to my profile you can find my doctor and practice. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 6, 2008
I have BCBS of Illinois. It was kind of a pain in the butt!! It took over a year to get approved even though I had years and years of documented obesity and weight loss programs. I had to pay extra to go through a hospital supervised program and then even after that I was denied twice and had to appeal. FINALLY approved and had surgery in March 08. I shouldn't complain I guess because I am really happy they did approve and pay for it, if not I could have never done it, and this is sure to have saved my life. Good luck to you!
   — Fluffee

May 7, 2008
I also have BCBSIL as a primary and secondary insurance and they both denied me on the first try, because I was missing one year from my 5-year weight history. However, I was approved the second time after I provided this info. This all happened within a one month timeframe. I didn't have to do any appeals, the wonderful staff at UIC did everything for me. I had to have a psychological evaluation (2 office visits), I had to see a supervised weight loss specialist for 6 months and I had to prove that I had at least two other health conditions that ties in to why I need the Lap-band. i.e. asthma, sleep apnea, etc. I'm due to have my surgery 5/22/08. I hope this helps....Good luck to you!
   — Hope S.

May 8, 2008
I have BCBS of Texas and am 4 weeks post-op. I was border line with co-morbid issues. One the doctor (finally) submitted my paperwork, I was approved in one day. I initially called my insurance company to find out what was required to qualify. I also called my insurance company after several weeks of no answer and found out the doctor's office never submitted my paperwork. I highly recommend keeping in contact with your insurance company. Good luck!
   — grobertsjenkins