Question:
is it true that in jan. 2003 bcbs/ppo wont be covering weight loss surgery?

I keep hearing it on here and I am wondering f it is true and if it is I have an appt. w/ todd overcash 9-19-02 would they schedule me for surgery before then,if I am approved?I dont want to call them yet until I am already in the process of approval. Thanks in advance if you know the answer.    — Kelliann S. (posted on September 2, 2002)

September 2, 2002
I have that insurance I first sent in my paperwork in Oct. of 2001 BCBS held on to my papers until March before they ever denied me its been a long battle they keep denying its even covered--I have my booklet--then they change the rules---I ended up hiring a lawyer and should have an answer in a week GOOD LUCK with them
   — Linda L.

September 2, 2002
Kelliann - I posted this on the board a few days ago and you may have missed it - PLEASE PLEASE READ IF YOU HAVE BXBS OF ANY TYPE I sold group and individual health insurance for 17 years and my husband has sold it for 25 years. There has been alot of mis information on the board the last few days about Blue Cross Blue Sheild (BCBS). Some may be true for the poster but not for you. ****************** EVERY PLAN FOR BCBS CAN BE DIFFERENT - ****************** THEY CAN VARY BY STATE TO MEET THE STATE REQUIREMENTS. ****************** THEY CAN VARY BY THE TYPE OF BCBS PLAN YOU HAVE AS TO WHETHER THEY WILL COVER WLS. BCBS has many types of plans. ****************** GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL PLANS VARY CONSIDERABLY. ****************** IF BCBS IS only THE TPA (THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR) YOUR EMPLOYER CAN CHOOSE WHAT IS COVERED. That coverage can be changed at open enrollment time. ****************** Don't panic ... just call BCBS and they will let you know if YOUR plan is changing. ****************** Hope this helps - Nancee
   — Nancee D.

September 3, 2002
I, too, was worried about this, so I called BCBS of IL. The woman I spoke with was very nice and said she had not heard anything at all about them not covering this after the first of the year. She said all BCBS plans are different. She told me that there were several people there in her office that were planning to have the surgery. So, my advice is to call your BCBS and see what they say.
   — Kathy S.