Question:
BCBS DOES NOT PAY
I have BCBS of Mississippi as well and no they do not cover this surgery. I just found this out. You can be dying and still they will not pay for the surgery. Then they don't want to pay for any health related problems due to being overweight. Am I the only one here feeling discriminated against? Why do overweight people get the short end of the stick? Does anyone here know of a surgeon in Alabama that will work payments or having any pay options for the surgery> — Stephania H. (posted on August 13, 2002)
August 13, 2002
I would take your policy to a lawyer. They can see things we often can't.
— Danmark
August 13, 2002
I wish I had some answers for you, because I know how you
feel. I have BCBS of Tennessee, and although it pays for
the surgery, my employer has an exclusion in the policy. They
were willing to change the policy for me, but BCBS said
no way, no how. They also said they are putting the exclusion
in all new policies this year.
On a more positive note, several states have adopted a new
law that forces insurance companies to pay for this surgery
if it is medically necessary. Last night at my local support
group, we began talking about everyone writing and calling
our state legislators. They are the ones who control the
old codgers who sit on the medical review boards, and they will
listen if enough of us talk. I would encourage everyone you
know who is morbidly obese, or loves someone who is morbidly
obese, to start writing letters. The discrimination has to
end. I wish you the best of luck. God bless.
— Ginger N.
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