Question:
Help with Insurance

   — duliriel (posted on February 3, 2009)

February 3, 2009
You would need to know your BMI if it is over 40 you should be able to get approval for surgery. Not all insurance companies cover lap band.
   — trible

February 3, 2009
Hi David. You should first contact your insurance customer service to find out if bariatric surgery (lap band and RNY are grouped into one category) is a covered benefit under your policy IF it is found to be medically necessary. If so, some insurance companies will find surgery medically necessary even if your BMI is under 40 if you have other "co-morbidities" or problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and some other conditions. If this is the case for you, once you select your bariatric surgeon, he/she would submit a letter of medical necessity to the ins. company for preauthorization. I work for a large ins. company. I hope this helps. Good luck!
   — Cherebhan