Question:
What does BCBS PPO plan deem to be

My policy states it must be medically necessary. I have 35 -36 BMI with a good bit of comorbidities. But I can't find a doctor's office that'll see me unless I have a BMI of 40 or more. What gives? I'm in Birmingham, AL if any of you know of a dr that will see me, please advise.    — Lindsey S. (posted on July 2, 2002)

July 2, 2002
No doctors that I know of will do this on anyone with that low a bmi. Sorry wish that there was something that I could offer you. Most insurance carriers require that you be at least 100 pounds overweight.
   — Becca K.

July 2, 2002
My dr. told me that BCBS of Florida will take anyone with a bmi of 35 and upward with comorbids---my bmi right now is 38 and I am waiting insurance approval. The best thing to do is call your customer service rep at your BCBS number--ask them to send you the requirements.
   — Linda L.

July 2, 2002
It might be a good idea to contact your insurance carrier, but in the interim, here goes: BMI >35 with co-morbids, at least 100 pounds or more overweight. Some co-morbids: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Asthma, Severe Back Pain or Osteoporosis, Multiple Joint Pain (to include knees, ankles, hips and back). Peripheral Edema, Diabetes, Hypertension, PCOS, Insomnia...need more?
   — yourdivaness

July 8, 2002
So, if Aetna approves BMI of 35 to 39 with comorbidities, and my BCBS PPO plan has a minimum BMI of 40, what can I do, gain weight on purpose? How do I apply for Aetna insurance? My BCBS is thru my employer.
   — Lindsey S.