Question:
Was I dreaming the other day or did i read a post that said... BC/BS of Michigan

that as of 022700 BC/BS of Michigan will no longer cover WLS? I'm almost certain that is what i read (it is important to note that I was heavily medicated that day) LOL. My surgeons office is not aware of this. Is anyone here? Thanks :o)    — Cheryl S. (posted on March 14, 2000)

March 14, 2000
Well, I don't think that it is an entirely true statement. I have bc/bs MESSA insurance and they approved me in about 8 days...no fuss...no muss. I would check with your surgeon...and when in doubt...contact the company directly. I don't think you can believe everything you read....however well intentioned it may be. Hope this helps.
   — Kay A.

March 15, 2000
Hi... I was the one who posted about BC/BS. One thing I did say is that I'm not sure if it applies to all states. As of 2/27 BC/BS will not Pre-Approve surgeries. Not to say they won't cover them, just that they won't tell you up front if they will. I have the letter from BC/BS if anyone wants more details. I'm going ahead with my surgery and taking the chance.... May 1, 2000. Wish me luck for approval!!! By the way, my state is Michigan.
   — Cindi W.

May 23, 2000
I was just approved for my rny surgery and I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan. So where ever you got your information from it is not true for everyone maybe not for your case but some do get approved. I also know quite a few people that have been approved for this prior to surgery
   — Becky C.

May 23, 2000
I also have BC/BS - Personal Choice/PPO. I was pre-approved on 5/16. The information regarding the change in pre-approval may be for a specific employer's plan (each is different). So to answer your question, no, not all BC/BS plans have stopped pre-approving WLS. Good luck!
   — heidiinPA

June 24, 2000
I have been trying for 8 months to get Blue Cross Of MI to approve the laparascopic bypass surgery I want to have with Dr. Rutledge in N. Carolina. Dr. Rutledge's office told me BCBS of MI approved this surgery last year, but are no longer aprroving because they say it is experimental. I've been told that BCBS of MI is the only Blue Cross in the nation that won't approve this surgery. If anyone has any suggestions please email me at: [email protected]
   — Bonnie S.