Question:
Will BCBS Georgia HMO pay for Gastric Bypass Surgery?

I have several health problems due to my weight. You know.....high blood pressure, diabetes, intercrainial hypertention, depression, mood swings, sleep apnia. I am about 150 lbs overweight and my doctor says if I loose weight my health will greatly improve. I have tried in the past to no avail. I always seem to gain instead of loose. Does anyone know if Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO of Georgia (State Merit) will cover gastric bypass surgery or not?    — Karen H. (posted on July 30, 2005)

July 30, 2005
First of all I'vve been reading this board since January and haven't heard of any of those companies not paying fir that type of surgery. If you tell me that you have all those medical problems then you should be approved 1,2,3. I'd call my PCP and make an appt. with him or her and get started if your serious because it does take a long time to get this going. Now I had no health problems (YET) just back, knee and joint pain plus ashtma really bad to and I was approved on first try.You can't find out if you don't try, right? Good luck, Cheri
   — destiny98c

July 30, 2005
I don't know about BC/BS of Georgia now, but last year when I had my surgery, Anthem BC/BS of Kentucky covered mine. I lost about 150lbs and am off my meds. I love my life now. So my advice would be to have your surgeon submit it for approval, then even if you get denied...fight it, if you need to. Appeal it, do whatever it takes. Your health and happiness is at stake. If you have researched this surgery and decided it is for you, then do whatever it takes to make it happen. Be persistant with the insurance company and do not ever give up. Best wishes for health and happiness.
   — Donna F.

August 1, 2005
I HAD MY SURGERY COVERED THROUGH BCBS OF GA.-STATE MERIT -ON JUNE 13TH, BUT TO MY KNOWLEDGE THEY WERE CANCELING COVERAGE AS OF JULY 1ST--SORRY!
   — RACHEL LOVES SEAN