Question:
Insurance in Virginia

Hello I am not sure the last question got out there or not so I am reposting it again. My husband and I both have BCBS through both of our employers. Problem is neither one of them cover diet surgery in any kind of way nor do they offer a rider policy. I have a very high BMI and would really like to have the surgery but I need to find any insurance in the state of Virginia that covers the surgery? Thanks to anyone who responds.    — Lovemyself (posted on March 9, 2008)

March 9, 2008
When I had my surgery in 2002, my insurance policy also had an EXCLUSION for weight loss surgery and anything to do with weight loss. The way we got it covered was to show 'medical necessity'. Have your doctors show medical necessity, show your co-morbidities, document how you've tried to lose weight and then see if anything can be done....
   — Kathy T.

March 9, 2008
You need a doctor that can show medical necessaty. If the policy states that you do not have barritric coverage regardless of the medical condition then you are dead with that company. Policys from the same complany varry from employer to employer.
   — William (Bill) wmil

March 9, 2008
Hi, I have BCBS and live in Virginia. I had no requirements or any of the problems mentioned. Just picked my surgeon and 5 months later got the surgery. The wait of course was with the surgeon and his requirements. Good luck.
   — Pamela S.

March 9, 2008
Yes some insurance companies in Va do pay, I live in Va and I have Anthem bc/bs PPO and it covers the surgery I think it depends on if the company purchases the rider. I'm on my husbands insurance, I have the same insurance at the company that I work for but they no longer cover the surgury.
   — Lil' Booty

March 10, 2008
I have BCBS Federal and a coworker of mine has Blue Choice and both of them covered it in VA. At first I thought my did not, but I was looking at the policy wrong, they only cover it if it is a preffered provider. I am not sure were you live in VA, but I had my surgery done at FairOaks Hospital by Dr. Moazzez. The entire experiences was awesome. The person to contact there is Vonzie Nehoff her number is 703-391-3781. She is with INOVA FairOaks. She knows tons of information regarding insurance companies.
   — Christa J.