Question:
Is it true that with Blue Cross Blue Shield Peehip a BMI over 40 is automatically approved?

I was browsing this site and saw where someone had made this statement. This is the insurance I have and if this is true I am going to be so excited. I just wanted to make sure before I got my hopes up. Thanks everybody for helping out. I love the people on this site. Everyone is so nice and helpful.    — ag21al (posted on June 5, 2003)

June 5, 2003
Keep in mind, different employers can use the same insurance company, but the actual policy benefits and exclusions can be completely different. Read your policy or certification of benefits to see exactly what morbid obesity benefits your employer and insurance company offer. Or call your insurance company--they can answer your questions after you provide them with your ID & Group number. Good Luck! :)
   — jellybean0605

June 5, 2003
Hi Andrea, I have B/C B/S of Indiana, Federal program and had no problem at all. The surgeons office called and got verification of coverage over the phone in a few miniutes. I have a BMI of 39.8. They send me a letter telling me they were PLEASED to allow me to under go this procedure.
   — Debra W.

June 5, 2003
I don't know about every policy or every state but Blue Cross of California pretty much approves automatically over 40 BMI. I had approval within 48 hours and I was just 40 BMI.
   — susanje

June 6, 2003
I have BCBS Highmark and was approved in three days. WLS was in my policy, with a BMI of 40 or more and/or 100 lbs overweight. Good luck to you.
   — YStarnes

June 6, 2003
I have BCBS of Mi. PPO. My BMI was 40 and I had to have 12 months to 18 months of supervise diet with health problems and family history of health problems. I was also approved and had no problems with the insurance.
   — charanewme

June 6, 2003
i have bc/bs federal program & the only stipulation they make is that you weigh 100 or more pounds than you should. they didnt care about co-morbids, bmi, diet history etc. i was pre-certified (they dont pre-approve) in less than 48 hours. my surgery was paid for, in full, within 30 days.
   — sheryl titone